Search results
Lord of the Flies explores the dangers of mob mentality in terrifying scenes of violence and torture. Early on, the boys sing “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood,” after a successful hunt, elevating their shared act of violence into a celebratory chant.
- Test Your Knowledge Take The Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quick Quiz
Test your knowledge on all of Lord of the Flies. Perfect...
- Chapter 9
In a sense, Simon’s murder is an almost inevitable outcome...
- The Struggle to Build Civilization
The Struggle to Build Civilization - Lord of the Flies:...
- The Scarlet Letter
The theme of nature versus society is exemplified by Hester...
- Key Facts
Full title Lord of the Flies. Author William Golding. Type...
- A+ Student Essay
In Lord of the Flies, however, children must fend for...
- Important Quotes Explained
A Midsummer Night's Dream A Streetcar Named Desire Don...
- The Dangers of Mob Mentality
The Dangers of Mob Mentality - Lord of the Flies: Themes -...
- Test Your Knowledge Take The Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quick Quiz
- Lord of The Flies Themes
- Analysis of Key Moments in Lord of The Flies
- Style, Literary Devices, and Tone in Lord of The Flies
- Symbols in Lord of The Flies
The impact of humankind on nature
This is evident from the first chapter when the plane crashing leaves what Golding describes as a “scar” across the island. This idea is explored further in the early chapters the boys light a fire that escapes their control and yet further diminishes what might be considered an unspoiled island. Some interpret the island almost as a Garden of Eden with the children giving in to temptation by slaughtering the animals there. The final chapter furthers the destruction of nature by mankind as th...
Civilization versus savagery
This can be seen throughout as the boys struggle with being removed from organized society. To begin with, they cope well. They construct a form of government represented by the conch that theoretically draws them together and gives them all a voice. As they break away from society this adherence to the rules they have constructed is evident. Golding’s ideas of what savagery is might be outdated and rooted in colonial stereotypes but they are evident for all to see as the boys use masks to de...
Nature of humanity
Perhaps the biggest underlying theme is the idea of the true nature of mankind. Golding explores the idea that mankind is innately evil and that it is only the contrast between society and civilization that prevents that nature from being prevalent. Of course, this overlooks that civilization is a human construct and if all men’s biggest motivation were their inner evil, then that construct would never have existed. Golding’s views largely spring from his role in the navy where he was witness...
There are many key moments in ‘Lord of the Flies‘ that highlight the boy’s descent into savagery. 1. Blowing the conch– this introduces us to the conch which acts as a symbol of society and civilization throughout the novel. It is both the device that brings the children together and in theory the object which allows them all to have a say and ther...
Throughout this novel, Golding’s style is straightforward and easy to read. There are no lengthy passages nor does he choose particularly poetic words to describe the events. His writing is powerful without these stylistic devices. The same can be said for his use of literary devices. When used, they are direct. For example, the use of symbolism (s...
The Conch Shell
The conch shell is one of the major symbols of this novel. It’s used from the beginning of the novel to call the boys together for meetings on the beach. It’s a symbol of civilization and government. But, as the boys lose touch with their civilized sides, the conch shell is discarded.
The Signal Fire
The signal fire is a very important symbol in the novel. It’s first lit on the mountain and then later on the beach with the intent of attracting the attention of passion ships. The fire is maintained diligently at first but as the book progresses and the boys slip farther from civilization, their concentration on the fire wanes. They eventually lose their desire to be rescued. Therefore, as one is making their way through the book, gauging the boys’ concentration on the fire is a great way t...
The Beast
The beast is an imaginary creature who frightens the boys. It stands in for their savage instincts and is eventually revealed to be a personification of their dark impulses. It’s only through the boy’s behaviour that the beast exists at all.
Need help on themes in William Golding's Lord of the Flies? Check out our thorough thematic analysis. From the creators of SparkNotes.
A theme is an overarching idea that runs through a literary text in one or some parts. It makes up the major point the author he wants to convey to his readers. Lord of the Flies is a rich literary text that contains multidimensional themes. Some of the overarching themes are discussed below.
Lord of the Flies study guide contains a biography of William Golding, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes.
Jun 30, 2015 · This research deals with the main themes in the novel Lord of the Flies written by the British novelist William Golding. It shows how the theme plays an important role in every literary work; it reflects the central idea of the writer or author.
People also ask
What is a theme in Lord of the flies?
Is Lord of the flies an allegorical novel?
Is Lord of the flies a good book?
What are some key moments in Lord of the flies?
What is the main conflict in Lord of the flies?
What does the loss of innocence symbolize in Lord of the flies?
What was the theme of lord of the flies? Summary of key themes in Lord of the Flies with descriptions and meaning. Theme analysis.
