Grade 10 English Lord of the Flies Analysis
Andy Dow
Wednesday September 3rd, 2014
Style and Thematic Purpose in the Lord of Flies by William Golding The conflict between the instinct of civilization and savagery in human beings is the central concern of the Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Through Golding’s clear and unflinching style, the readers can better understand these natural instincts as the events of the novel progress. He uses allegory to convey these in several ways, including symbolic objects and characters. The first indication of savagery from the boys is the murder of Simon. “At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore. There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.” (Golding 169). Golding described the actions happening very clearly, using simple words like “rock,” “beast,” and “screamed,” allowing the reader to have a clear image of the occurring scene. Being able to describe this cruel event without hesitation makes his style unflinching, much like the boys who are able to kill Simon without hesitation. The instinct of civilization is conveyed through Maurice, who, after bullying a little boy named Percival, disciplines himself even without the presence of an authoritative figure. “Now, though there was no parent to let fall a heavy hand, Maurice still felt the unease of wrong-doing.” (Golding 63). Golding makes it clear that Maurice had the power to act according to his own desires, with no authorities present to chastise him. He implies that living by rules and feeling guilt when acting immorally is a natural instinct in humans. Golding’s choice of characters effectively increases the readers’ understanding of his thematic purpose. The main cast of characters in the novel are young, well-brought up British boys, who believe that they are civilized. “’We’ve got rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English; and the English are best at everything.’” (Golding
Wednesday September 3rd, 2014
Style and Thematic Purpose in the Lord of Flies by William Golding The conflict between the instinct of civilization and savagery in human beings is the central concern of the Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Through Golding’s clear and unflinching style, the readers can better understand these natural instincts as the events of the novel progress. He uses allegory to convey these in several ways, including symbolic objects and characters. The first indication of savagery from the boys is the murder of Simon. “At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore. There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.” (Golding 169). Golding described the actions happening very clearly, using simple words like “rock,” “beast,” and “screamed,” allowing the reader to have a clear image of the occurring scene. Being able to describe this cruel event without hesitation makes his style unflinching, much like the boys who are able to kill Simon without hesitation. The instinct of civilization is conveyed through Maurice, who, after bullying a little boy named Percival, disciplines himself even without the presence of an authoritative figure. “Now, though there was no parent to let fall a heavy hand, Maurice still felt the unease of wrong-doing.” (Golding 63). Golding makes it clear that Maurice had the power to act according to his own desires, with no authorities present to chastise him. He implies that living by rules and feeling guilt when acting immorally is a natural instinct in humans. Golding’s choice of characters effectively increases the readers’ understanding of his thematic purpose. The main cast of characters in the novel are young, well-brought up British boys, who believe that they are civilized. “’We’ve got rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English; and the English are best at everything.’” (Golding