About the Author William Golding was born in Cornwall, and educated at Oxford University where he studied English literature. He had a variety of jobs in his lifetime. During the Second World War he joined the Royal Navy and spent six years in service. After the war he published his first novel, Lord of the Flies. It only became famous some years later. In 1983 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature and in 1988 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

It could be a reference to the Hebrew name for Satan, Beelzebub. It translates to Lord of Flies. It is obvious that the Lord of Flies in the novel symbolizes the devil, or the evil in every human being. It seems as though Golding choose this title as a representation of the evil in humans. The title Lord of the Flies is just a metaphoric way of explaining the plot in a short text.

Ralph Ralph is the main character and definitely the most optimistic. He fights with Jack the entire book, both trying to keep order. Ralph is completely different from Jack. He is understanding and sensible and tries to solve problems democratically.

Piggy Piggy is the character in the book that represents order. He is the only one who truly wants order and he occupies a weaker position in the group. His glasses plays a significant role throughout the entire book. He represents the loser and the other boys make fun of him because of his appearance.

Jack Jack begins the book with a display of savage behavior that progresses as the book goes along. He eventually loses his touch with society and overtakes Ralph’s position as a chief. Jack uses his strength and influence in order to gain more power for himself.

Themes The breaking down of social structures The breaking down of social structures, from peace to violence, friends to enemies, ending in savage death. Power Power is often a source of violence in Lord of the Flies. The desire for power breaks down the boundaries set by rules and order and causes strife and competition. The loss of innocence. The loss of innocence. The boys stranded on the island have to leave the idealism of youth and face the actuality of the real world.