Lord of the Flies Author: William Golding Published: 17/9/1954 Pg. Count: 224 Recommended: Ages 13+ Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding first released in 1954. The plot centers on a group of British students who crash land on a deserted island. The lads initially make an effort to establish a civilized society with leaders and regulations. However, as time goes by and their predicament worsens, their actions start to turn brutal and violent. The book serves as a commentary on both the perils of mob mentality and the fundamental character of people. Fear, a desire for authority, and a readiness to follow the most charismatic and violent among the lads all contribute to the boys' spiral into savagery. Ralph, Jack, and Piggy represent many different opportunities. Jack represents the metaphor for the need for power and the propensity to use violence to acquire it, whereas born as a natural leader, Ralph works to uphold civilization and order on the island. Although Piggy, the group's intellectual, stands for reason and reasoning, the others frequently disregard and make fun of him. The boys start to believe that the "beast" on the island must die as the "beast" seeks and kills as their predicament worsens and they start acting more violently. The "beast" represents …show more content…
Ralph, for instance, becomes a representation of civilization and order, whereas Jack represents a symbol of anarchy and savagery. The island itself serves as a metaphor for exile and the battle for existence. The "beast" stands for humankind's fear and darkness, while the conch shell serves as a potent representation of democracy and civilization. The fire also represents the lads' connection to the outside world and their desire of being saved. Together, these symbols form a sophisticated and provocative examination of the human brain and the perils of mob