Having studied this book at GCSE I've been wanting to
read it again. The story, I assume, is set around the time of World War II, sees
a plane crash leaving a group of school boys stranded on a desert island.
It's an interesting concept to see how children will
act when left to their own devices, and this book looks at just that; from the
initial care-free lifestyle, to creating community, as well as battles for
leadership and power. However the deeper, darker, underlying theme to this
book looks at the innate ability for all of us, even children, to do
evil.
After a short while on the island, it is decided that they should vote for a leader to ensure the fun continues, whilst ensuring they survive. One of the older boys named Ralph is voted in, with his sidekick, a boy with glasses nicknamed 'Piggy'. Piggy is practical and overly cautious, but in reality, knows what is best for the boys - to keep a fire going so they might get rescued.
After a short while on the island, it is decided that they should vote for a leader to ensure the fun continues, whilst ensuring they survive. One of the older boys named Ralph is voted in, with his sidekick, a boy with glasses nicknamed 'Piggy'. Piggy is practical and overly cautious, but in reality, knows what is best for the boys - to keep a fire going so they might get rescued.
The boys build shelters, find fruit to eat, create a
meeting place where decision are made through the use of the Conch, a shall that
gives the holder the authority to speak freely. Twins, Sam 'n Eric are set the
task of keeping the fire lit, while another leader among the group - Jack, heads
up a hunting pack with his choir boys.
What could be better than life on an island without the
constant nagging from adults? Ralph certainly revels in this, spending plenty of
time lazing around in the water and having fun, however as time goes on, we see
the struggle for power between Ralph and Jack, with the boys beginning to hate
each other. Soon, the peaceful paradise develops into something much more
sinister.
As the thirst for blood raises with the hunters, and
the craving for meat increases things begin to get out of hand. We see the once
care-free leader Ralph begin to mature and realise that island life is not all
about having friends, being popular and having
fun.
William Golding's writing keeps the reader gripped
throughout, with the subtle hints of the darker undertones to the story making
this a book you can't put down.
I remember enjoying studying Lord of the Flies as a
teenager, and enjoyed it again as an adult, and as such I would recommend it to
young and old alike, anyone who enjoys adventure and mystery. A real classic
leaving you wondering just how thin the line between good and evil really
is.
