Lord of the Flies by Sir William Golding

Lord of the Flies was the kickoff fable published by Sir William Golding. Although Golding had published an anthology of poems nearly two decades forward writing Lord of the Flies, this novel was his first extensive narrative work and is informed by his scientific training an academic background. In human beingsy ways Lord of the Flies is a hypothetical treatment of particular scientific concerns.It places a group of young English boys on a deserted island where they must develop their own society, in essence constructing a sociological experiment in which these boys must develop without any societal influences to shape them. In fact the beginning chapters of the novel analog assumptions about valet evolution, as the characters visualize fire and form levels of political composeity.However, what concerns Golding in Lord of the Flies is the nature of crime as demonstrated by the boys on the island. He concludes that the evil actions that the boys commit are inherent in pityi ng nature and can only be controlled by societal mores and rationality, as exemplified by the characters Piggy and Ralph.Although the novel does not adhere to themes particular to one sacred tradition, in Lord of the Flies Golding draws upon a great deal of religious symbolism updated to conform to more contemporary ideas of human psychology. The title character, the pigs head that Simon dubs the lord of the travel is a translation of the Hebrew word Baalzevuv, or its classical equivalent Beelzebub.For Golding, this devil comes from within the human psyche rather than acting as an external force, as implied by Judeo-Christian teachings. Golding employs this religious reference in more Freudian terms. The devil that is the lord of the flies awards the Freudian conception of the Id, the driving amoral force that works solely to ensure its own survival. The lord of the flies directly confronts the most spiritually motivated character of the novel, Simon, who functions as a prophet- martyr for the other boys.Lord of the Flies is firmly rooted in the sociopolitical concerns of its era. Published during the first decade of the Cold War, the novel contains obvious parallels to the struggle between liberal democracy and totalitarianism. Ralph represents the liberal tradition, while Jack, before he succumbs to total anarchism, can be interpreted as representing military dictatorship. In its structure as an adventure the novel further resembles the science-fiction genre that reemerged as a popular form of books during the fifties.Symbolism played an important part in the development of story. This narrative technique is used to give significance to certain people or objects, which represent some other figure. Piggy and glasses represents clear-sightedness, intelligence. Their state represents the status of social order. Ralph, the Conch represents democracy and order. Simon represents pure goodness or Christ figure. Roger represents evils or Satan. Jack represents savageness and anarchy.The island represents the world where people live. The scar represents mans destruction or destructive forces. The beast represents the evil residing within everyone or the dark side of human nature. The Lord of the Flies represents the Devil and great danger or evil. There are many other aspects in the story that may be considered symbolism, solely the several that I mentioned are probably the most significant. Another good example of symbolism is the shape of the island. The boat shape of the island is an ancient symbol of civilization. The weewee current around the island seems to be flowing backwards, giving the subtle impression that civilization may be going backwards for the island or its inhabitants.William Golding presented numerous themes and basic ideas that give the reader something to think about. One of the most basic and obvious themes is that society holds everyone together, and without these conditions, our ideals, values, and the basics of right and wrong are lost. Without societys rigid rules, anarchy and atrocity can come to light.Golding is also showing that morals come directly from our surroundings, and if there is no civilization around us, we will lose these values. Other characteristics of human beings that he showed in the book are that people will abuse power when its not earned. When given a chance, people often take favor or degrade others to improve their own security. The author also showed that you can only cover up inner savagery so long before it breaks out, given the right situation.Just like what happened to Jack. He also showed in the book that its better to examine the consequences of a decision before you make it than to discover them afterward. Another theme in the book that I have observed is that the fear of the unknown can be a powerful force, which can go you to either insight or hysteria. Just like what happened when they fear the unknown figure that they saw in the island which led them to murder Simon.I agree with the authors theories on the basic nature of human beings. Without the values or morals being taught in our society and the basic knowledge of good and evil people will have a tendency to become savage or evil because it is part of the human nature. It goes back to the fall of the first man named Adam. After the fall, sin became a part of the human nature. Without the teachings of good values and morals, savagery will manifest in people.