Although no one new actually comes to the island, several new and intriguing characters are developed in place of Ralph, Jack, and the rest of the spilt tribes. It is through these new characters that one can see where Golding is going with the overall theme and symbolism that he has been developing throughout the novel. One can see this final theme developed in the extreme changes in Jack, Ralph, and their interactions with each other as well the others of the tribe.
Jack in the last few chapters is in no way what he has been in the rest of the novel. It is in this way that he is presented to the reader as almost a new character called “the chief” (Golding 176) whose first action is “beat up Wilfred” (176) even though no one knows why. The fact that Jack moves from his position of shaky leader to all-powerful ruler demonstrates the symbolism of the beast in all of them overcoming the island.
As Jack becomes more powerful Ralph begins to give in to all of his inner struggles. After taking part in the murder of Simon he cannot come to terms with what is overcoming him and the rest of the boys. They can scarcely even associate themselves with the feast as they discus: “Didn’t you see what we - what they did?” (Golding 173)
The last battle between Ralph and Jack really brings the novel to a focus and a climax that gives the reader a final sense of what Golding is trying to relay through his writing. After “the conch explod[es] into a thousand tiny white fragments” (Golding 200) and Piggy is “thrown back forty feet” (200) with his skull wide open Ralph promptly fleas into the jungle for what could be the last time. The hellish inferno that ensues is Golding’s way of symbolizing the strength of the beast within us and the strength with which we must fight it. When the sailors discover the children and cannot believe how quickly they have deteriorated it is a demonstration of how unaware we are of ourselves in this modern day and age.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
7-9
The theme of human nature plays a predominate role in Golding’s novel The Lord of The Flies. In chapters four to six this theme is initially noted in the conflict between Jack and Ralph; this theme is further developed in the separation of the tribe and the eventual death of Simon.
From the beginning of chapter seven the boys are immediately seen as being more brutal and inhumane. Ralph actually decides to go on the hunt with Jack and his troop. This is unusual for Ralph’s character as he is usually contrasting not complementing Jack. One of the most startling incidents in the seventh chapter was when the boys almost kill Robert while reenacting the hunt. Again Ralph takes part in this “savagery” (Golding 111); the author does this to further his point about human nature. In this case he is stating that while one might be able to mask their true nature, but they will never be able escape it. Near the end of chapter seven the boys site the figure of the downed fighter pilot. This is again significant because Golding is using the secondary plot of World War II to further his point of human nature. Simons sighting of what he describes to be “a large, shadowy form with the shape of a giant ape” (113) sets off hysteria within the tribe and eventually leads to the separation.
Later in the novel after a massive hunt a sow is caught and her head placed on a pike in the clearing that the character Simon frequents. Possibly the most surreal moment in the novel follows when the head of the sow speaks to Simon in “the voice of the lord of the flies” (Golding 121) telling him that he cannot escape him and that he is in everyone. It is at this moment that Golding basically comes out and dictates his intended theme to the reader. Later on the boys viciously mistake Simon for the monster as he tries to relate what he has learnt about the beast and what is within them.
It almost seems that Golding could have ended the novel at this time and his idea concerning true human nature could be effectively related. I know that I will be watching in the last three chapters to see how this idea is further developed.
From the beginning of chapter seven the boys are immediately seen as being more brutal and inhumane. Ralph actually decides to go on the hunt with Jack and his troop. This is unusual for Ralph’s character as he is usually contrasting not complementing Jack. One of the most startling incidents in the seventh chapter was when the boys almost kill Robert while reenacting the hunt. Again Ralph takes part in this “savagery” (Golding 111); the author does this to further his point about human nature. In this case he is stating that while one might be able to mask their true nature, but they will never be able escape it. Near the end of chapter seven the boys site the figure of the downed fighter pilot. This is again significant because Golding is using the secondary plot of World War II to further his point of human nature. Simons sighting of what he describes to be “a large, shadowy form with the shape of a giant ape” (113) sets off hysteria within the tribe and eventually leads to the separation.
Later in the novel after a massive hunt a sow is caught and her head placed on a pike in the clearing that the character Simon frequents. Possibly the most surreal moment in the novel follows when the head of the sow speaks to Simon in “the voice of the lord of the flies” (Golding 121) telling him that he cannot escape him and that he is in everyone. It is at this moment that Golding basically comes out and dictates his intended theme to the reader. Later on the boys viciously mistake Simon for the monster as he tries to relate what he has learnt about the beast and what is within them.
It almost seems that Golding could have ended the novel at this time and his idea concerning true human nature could be effectively related. I know that I will be watching in the last three chapters to see how this idea is further developed.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
4-6
Although Ralph is arguably the main character in the novel, one must look at Jack to see what role Ralph plays within the story. It is Jack that contrasts Ralph and makes him stand out as the lead character. Jack’s personality and actions that make him Ralph’s foil character.
In chapter four the hunters “let the fire out” ( Golding 71) while a ship is passing by their island. It immediately becomes apparent that Jack told his hunters to leave the fire so that he “could have them in the hunt” (73). This distresses Ralph because he is only interested in the practical things that will get them rescued; Jack is much more carefree, his interests are in hunting. In this case Jacks contrast of Ralph makes Jack seem to be almost evil, and Ralph becomes elevated to the reader as responsible leader of the children.
The contrast between Jack and Ralph also helps to illustrate a common theme in the novel. Jack and Ralph represent the struggle that Golding believes people have between good and evil. Jack valiantly describes how he “Cut[s] the pig[s] throat” (Golding 79) and how “blood spilled out” (78); Ralph halts his speech and immediately calls a meeting to discus the situation on the island. While Ralph is making a speech about the need for rules Jack loudly proclaims “Bollocks to the rules” (99), Ralph can only respond with “the rules are the only thing we’ve got” (99). This demonstrates what Golding believes to be the true nature of the human spirit. Through his contrast of the characters Ralph and Jack, Golding is saying that these boys are becoming more and more barbaric without human civilization.
The theme about human nature became fist apparent in the first three chapters, and was clearly established in chapters five and six. I believe that this theme will be instrumental in the development of the novel, it will be interesting to see how Golding develops it in the following chapters.
In chapter four the hunters “let the fire out” ( Golding 71) while a ship is passing by their island. It immediately becomes apparent that Jack told his hunters to leave the fire so that he “could have them in the hunt” (73). This distresses Ralph because he is only interested in the practical things that will get them rescued; Jack is much more carefree, his interests are in hunting. In this case Jacks contrast of Ralph makes Jack seem to be almost evil, and Ralph becomes elevated to the reader as responsible leader of the children.
The contrast between Jack and Ralph also helps to illustrate a common theme in the novel. Jack and Ralph represent the struggle that Golding believes people have between good and evil. Jack valiantly describes how he “Cut[s] the pig[s] throat” (Golding 79) and how “blood spilled out” (78); Ralph halts his speech and immediately calls a meeting to discus the situation on the island. While Ralph is making a speech about the need for rules Jack loudly proclaims “Bollocks to the rules” (99), Ralph can only respond with “the rules are the only thing we’ve got” (99). This demonstrates what Golding believes to be the true nature of the human spirit. Through his contrast of the characters Ralph and Jack, Golding is saying that these boys are becoming more and more barbaric without human civilization.
The theme about human nature became fist apparent in the first three chapters, and was clearly established in chapters five and six. I believe that this theme will be instrumental in the development of the novel, it will be interesting to see how Golding develops it in the following chapters.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
1-3
Throughout the first three chapters setting is used to establish the overall plot of the book. Setting is literally what creates the situation that the children are facing as well as preparing for, and symbolizing many of the reoccurring themes within the story. Golding’s use of imagery greatly contributes to the overall feel of the setting and the novel.
The setting establishes a sense of hopelessness in the children during the first few chapters that will continue throughout the book, at first the children feel the need to search the island looking for a means of escape. When they discover that they are in fact on an island some of the children immediately give up and spend their days “lounging around”(Golding 51). However, some of the characters like Ralph, Simon, and Jack begin to work at “creating shelter”(50) and “hunting”(49) for food. In this way the main characters are firmly established.
Certain objects in the setting begin to symbolize certain themes within the story. On the first page the crash site is referred to as a “scar in the jungle”(Golding 1), and the undergrowth is described as being “creep[y]”(1). When the children reach the beach they notice beautiful “coral reef[s]”(4) and palatial lagoons. The contrasting imagery establishes the theme of fear in the unknown. When Ralph discovers the conch and sounds it for the first time the children are drawn to it. Later on in the novel, it is decided that only the person with the conch in their hands may speak; immediately associating the conch with leadership. Finally, the grassy platform becomes a symbol for safety as the children begin to explore the island. While on the platform the character Piggy is “not interrupted”(31), however off of the platform Jack and the rest of the children “fiercely”(42) tell “shut up”(42). The idea of safety in the platform is also demonstrated when the young ones run to it as a place of refuge when they say the saw a monster.
It should be interesting to see how these early setting themes will impact the outcome of the novel.
The setting establishes a sense of hopelessness in the children during the first few chapters that will continue throughout the book, at first the children feel the need to search the island looking for a means of escape. When they discover that they are in fact on an island some of the children immediately give up and spend their days “lounging around”(Golding 51). However, some of the characters like Ralph, Simon, and Jack begin to work at “creating shelter”(50) and “hunting”(49) for food. In this way the main characters are firmly established.
Certain objects in the setting begin to symbolize certain themes within the story. On the first page the crash site is referred to as a “scar in the jungle”(Golding 1), and the undergrowth is described as being “creep[y]”(1). When the children reach the beach they notice beautiful “coral reef[s]”(4) and palatial lagoons. The contrasting imagery establishes the theme of fear in the unknown. When Ralph discovers the conch and sounds it for the first time the children are drawn to it. Later on in the novel, it is decided that only the person with the conch in their hands may speak; immediately associating the conch with leadership. Finally, the grassy platform becomes a symbol for safety as the children begin to explore the island. While on the platform the character Piggy is “not interrupted”(31), however off of the platform Jack and the rest of the children “fiercely”(42) tell “shut up”(42). The idea of safety in the platform is also demonstrated when the young ones run to it as a place of refuge when they say the saw a monster.
It should be interesting to see how these early setting themes will impact the outcome of the novel.
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