Lord of the Flies William Golding

Allegory The story and its characters are used to represent society as Golding sees it. licentious (immoral and wicked) base (corrupt, vile) savage (brutal, vicious, unrestrained).

Setting War (WW II) - Golding takes the war a step further. All of England has been destroyed by atomic bombs, and as far as Piggy is concerned, all people are dead. Boys were being evacuated, when their plane crashes on an island. They are from an all-boys school. Very sheltered life. Uniforms=strict rule of conduct. Obedience is a must.

Setting Begins as a typical Robinson Crusoe adventure story; but, we soon see, it is anything but this. Golding shows us the inevitable breakdown of humanity from a civilized attitude to one of complete savagery. It is his contention that humanity is basically evil. Golding shows how it is necessary for man/woman to keep himself/herself within boundaries, rules, and responsibilities, or he/she will destroy himself/herself.

Mood At first, the idea of TOTAL freedom is exhilarating for the boys. It's a game; but, there are images preparing us for the total breakdown of this new society. Ralph strips himself naked. He has cast away the weight of his clothes. Still in the innocent, pure stage of pre-puberty, casting off his clothes, he rejects civilization as he know it and jumps into the "blood-warm" water. Ralph stands among "skull-like" coconuts, and the cries of the birds are "witch-like.“ “a vision of red and yellow flashes…” EVIL ABOUNDS; HELLISH IMAGES (FLAMES). The choir of boys perch on tree trunks like "black birds". These boys will later make up the majority of hunters. SATANIC IMAGES. BLACK=EVIL; DEATH Scar – plane crash; destroys the beauty of this “garden of eden”. It is only the beginning.

Conch Symbol of order One who holds it may talk Fate of this shell symbolizes the fate of civilized life on the island Beginning Pink and creamy with beautiful designs. Think of the symbolism of the color, pink. (innocent … but…not pure). Golding begins to set the stage for the destruction of any innocence that the boys may come to island with in the beginning. End Translucent, loses its color (innocence) Crushed to pieces

Response to Conch Used to call assembly; “man with megaphone”. The boys are accustomed to following the rules of the adult world. Society has taught them Youngest boys feel secure and give obedience to whomever is blowing it "blind" obedience…even to Satan (evil).

Ralph Fair-haired boy; protagonist (maybe) Not perfect – still ridicules Piggy. Doesn’t seem to do it maliciously; however, society says fat = unpopular; glasses = nerd. Piggy is an outcast immediately; Ralph partially buys into this thought. Experiences the thrill of power Two problems How to handle the masses, ie. the "littluns" How to handle power in general

Jack Merridew Finds pleasure in power Responsible for the eventual breakdown of order and civilized society Personality gives reader an immediate sense of his evilness Walks from a distance - dark shadows In charge of the choir harsh Only one with last name – “official” Tall, thin, red hair, black cloak which he sways around him as he moves. Images of Satan. Doesn’t immediately become evil; but is easily swayed by jealousy of Ralph. Is encouraged to continue his ridicule of Piggy. (Ralph doesn’t do anything to stop him. Possibly not strong enough. Society oftentimes is guilty through omission.) When do we truly stand up for what is right/wrong? When it’s easy, or difficult?

Three thoughts to consider Natural maliciousness in humanity Ralph expresses a superior attitude over Piggy Jack bullies his way with the choir All enjoy teasing Piggy What defines human society Common need - signal for help to escape the island Common fear - fear of the "beast" Common desire - lust for power Man's instincts; constant struggle Noble - Ralph "fair hair" Ignoble-Jack "shocking red hair"

Simon Different than all; innately good; the others have been trained by society that they must be good or be punished. Jack immediately brings that to the forefront. Always looking for the truth. (“maybe it’s us”) Fear of the “beast” ; the unknown. While hysteria grows, Simon becomes thoughtful, logical, calm. Christ-like figure ( which foreshadows ? ) Does not want to "possess" the island; appreciates its beauty.

Simon, Ralph, and Jack explore the island. Ralph and Jack fall to what they have learned - conquer and own the island. Find a field of flowers Simon sees the flowers as "candle-buds" Ralph ridicules Simon, saying that they can't be used for light Jack concurs with that they can't be used for food. Only Simon appreciates the beauty. The other two are blind to this thinking.

End of Chapter Five Beginning of the end Chaos Hope is almost non-existent Ralph vs. Jack