IndexThe island as microcosmCharacters as symbolsConclusionBibliographyWilliam Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, is a captivating and thought-provoking literary work that has stood the test of time. Set on a desert island, the story follows a group of young boys forced to govern themselves after a plane crash. In the struggle for survival, Golding uses allegory to explore the darkest aspects of human nature and society. This essay will delve into how Lord of the Flies functions as an allegory, shedding light on the inherent evil that exists in individuals and society as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Island as Microcosm One of the primary ways in which Lord of the Flies functions as an allegory is through the island itself, which serves as a microcosm of the larger world. Just as the boys are isolated on the island, society is often seen as an isolated entity, separate from the rest of the world. The island represents a blank slate, without pre-existing social structures or rules. This allows Golding to explore innate human tendencies that emerge in the absence of civilization. Over the course of the novel, the island undergoes a transformation, reflecting the deterioration of the boys' moral values. Initially the island seems like a paradise, with its lush vegetation and crystal clear waters. However, when the boys go feral, the island becomes a dystopian nightmare, mirroring the destructive forces that can corrupt a society if left unchecked. Furthermore, the physical characteristics of the island also serve as allegorical elements. The Beast, a mythical creature that terrorizes children, represents the primal instincts and fears that reside within every individual. This fear leads to the creation of the Beast as a tangible figure, symbolizing the boys' descent into irrationality and chaos. The island, therefore, becomes a visual representation of the battle between civilization and wilderness, highlighting the allegorical nature of the novel. Characters as symbols Another significant aspect of the Lord of the Flies allegory lies in the characters themselves, who symbolize different aspects of human life. nature and society. Ralph, the protagonist, embodies the qualities of leadership, reason and democracy. His attempts to establish order and a system of rules on the island represent the struggle to maintain civilization despite the chaos. On the other hand, Jack represents the darker side of human nature, characterized by ferocity and the desire for power. As the novel progresses, Jack's obsession with hunting and control leads him to form his own tribe, which ultimately leads to the boys descending into violence and anarchy. Jack's transformation from disciplined altar boy to bloodthirsty dictator illustrates the destructive potential within individuals. Furthermore, the character of Simon can be seen as a Christ-like figure, symbolizing spirituality and morality. His encounters with the "Lord of the Flies", a pig's head impaled on a stick, highlight the internal battle between good and evil in every person. Simon's brutal murder by the other boys represents the rejection of moral values and the triumph of evil. Using these characters as symbols, Golding effectively explores the complexities of human nature and the inherent struggle between order and chaos, highlighting the allegorical nature of the novel. .ConclusionIn conclusion, Lord of the Flies is a powerful allegorical novel that delves into the darkest aspects of human nature and society. Through the island as a microcosm and the characters as symbols, William Golding, 2003.
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