Introduction and Background Lord of the Flies 1954 Introduction and Background

L.O.T.F Author William Golding Born in Britain 1911-1993

Title Translation “Beelzebub”: a Hebrew word for LUCIFER However, the literal translation of “Beelzebub” into English is LORD OF THE FLIES

About William Golding British novelist Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in literature Fought in Royal Navy during WWII Participated in invasion of Normandy on D-Day At war’s end, returned to teaching and writing

In the decade before LOTF was published, Britain had been involved in two wars: WWII Korean War

22 years later Britain was again involved in As a child, Golding witnessed WWI, which was referred to as “the war to end all wars”; HOWEVER, 22 years later Britain was again involved in ANOTHER WAR to end all wars, which caused more devastation than was imaginable

Through LOTF, Golding makes the statement that we cannot escape our savage, violent tendencies… …and without social order, we devolve into a state of chaos

Golding’s Fiction Allegorical Allusions to Classical literature The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form. A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby Dick are allegories. A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice. Allusions to Classical literature Mythology Christian Symbolism

Lord of the Flies “It was simply what seemed sensible for me to write after the war when everyone was thanking God they weren’t Nazi’s. I’d seen enough to realize that every single one of us could be Nazi’s.” William Golding on his novel Lord of the Flies

Philosophical Influence Rousseau Swiss born French Philosopher: 1712-1778 Man is good by nature but corrupted by the complex historical events that resulted in present day civil society Both rulers and the citizens have natural human rights as well as obligations to each other which should be bound in a social contract

Philosophical Influence Marx German Philosopher: 1818-1843 Focused on social class Social class dictates social life The wealthy own and control all elements of society  Believed that the workers would become poorer and poorer and experience alienation. Alienation is seen as the workers becoming more distanced from, or isolated from, their work, resulting in a feeling of powerlessness Believed that capitalism had to end and be replaced by a socialist system (socialism) that would make all equal and have all people's needs met

Philosophical Influence Locke English Philosopher: 1632-1704 Religious freedom and tolerance Believed a person's mind begins as a blank slate that is then shaped and formed over time through experience Believed that governments exist by the consent of the people in order to protect the rights of the people and promote the public good, governments that fail to do so can be resisted and replaced with new governments (Rebellion) Natural rights: Life, liberty, and property

Philosophical Influence Hobbes English Philosopher: 1588-1679 Argued that people were naturally cruel, greedy, and selfish. Needed to be controlled or they would fight, rob, and oppress each other. Believed that life in the “state of nature” without laws or control would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” Social contract: give up freedom for an organized society. Argues in favor of absolute monarchy.

Themes in the Novel Civilization vs. Savagery Loss of Innocence Original Sin Fear that separates one from God Nature of Good and Evil Goodness is rare and fleeting