Summary Of Lord of the flies |
Frightened and confused after their plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean, the sole survivors of this accident are a group of young and innocent boys. After settling from the initial trauma and recuperating to address the situation, they come to realize they are abandoned without adult supervision. At first it seemed to be an unwanted experience, however it quickly becomes an unimaginable paradise; with flavorful fruit, warm tropical weather, and more importantly endless freedom. The boys become distracted from their concerning reality and the effects of the isolated island begin to haunt them.
Time rules all and the boys begin to experience the consequences of self-inflicted fears. The group now split into two separate "tribes"; one becomes overcome by the fear of dying and feeds off the predominant acts of hunting and killing. The other embracing the idea of survival and sacrifices personal contentment to establish a civilization. The novel progresses incorporating major themes that discuss human nature in comparison to the habits that one commonly learns in our current society. As the two groups fade farther apart an imagined 'beast' of the island forces them regrettably back together. This created creature motivates them to commit to animalistic actions and ultimately turn on themselves. As their fears become supplemented with violence the boys are sent down a path that is only salvageable by an exterior rescue. |
Major Themes within the novel
The Consumption of Fear: The isolated island takes its toll on the boys as their hope of survival slowly diminishes, this fear is innocently supplemented with overwhelming violence.
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Favorite quotes and reflections
“They were savages it was true; but they were human” (pg. 185-186). Scared of losing his reputation as a leader and hero Jack forcefully dictated others, in efforts to find hope. Jack continued this even at the cost of another's life and the boys’ happiness. Sparked by the fear of dying, he instinctively sacrifices others for himself. This selfish, yet justifiable act is what leads to the inability to form a stable civilization. For when the leader of the tribe portrays a sense of savagery towards the others, it quickly becomes accepted by the entire group. Does the behavior of an individual become justified by the situation they are in? Or does it highlight their persona? The group of castaways succumb to violence and the predominant life before communication. All having the cognitive ability to choose a more positive outlet, the one Ralph presented which was structured around conversation, shows that in a time of hardship how fast humans will revert back to primitive instincts. The reasoning behind this is that it gives one the ability to still possess power over another, Jack accomplished this when he created the ‘tribe’. I feel that these types of actions are justified only by their intentions, committing to an inhuman act for the better of some other than yourself is more comforting than if done selfishly. |