TL;DR
A group of schoolboys stranded on a deserted island descend into savagery as their thin veneer of civilization erodes.
What is Lord of the Flies about
Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a gripping tale about a group of schoolboys who survive a plane crash and find themselves on a deserted island. Initially, they attempt to establish order, but soon their primal instincts take over. The novel explores themes of civilization versus savagery, loss of innocence, and the inherent darkness within humanity. First published in 1954, this modern classic delves deeply into human nature and societal breakdown. The new educational edition includes comprehensive study aids, making it ideal for students.
Lord of the Flies 5 Key Takeaways
The Plane Crash
A group of British schoolboys survive a plane crash and find themselves stranded on a deserted island. They attempt to create a mini-society, electing Ralph as their leader.
The Beast
The boys become increasingly paranoid about a 'beast' they believe inhabits the island. The fear of this mythical creature exacerbates their descent into chaos.
Descent into Savagery
As the boys' fragile social structure breaks down, their primitive instincts come to the fore. Jack and his hunters become increasingly violent, leading to fatal consequences.
Piggy's Death
One of the most poignant moments in the novel is the death of Piggy, symbolizing the complete collapse of rationality and order among the boys.
Rescue
The novel concludes with the boys being rescued by a naval officer, who is shocked by the extent of their descent into savagery. The rescue comes just as Ralph is about to be killed by the other boys.
Top Lord of the Flies Quotes
- 'The thing is - fear can't hurt you any more than a dream.'
- 'Maybe there is a beast… maybe it's only us.'
Who should read Lord of the Flies?
Lord of the Flies is ideal for readers aged 13 and up, especially those interested in exploring complex themes of human nature, society, and morality. It's a significant text for students in Key Stage 3 and 4, offering ample material for classroom discussion and independent analysis.
Lord of the Flies Best Reviews
- 'A parable and a future vision of the darkness of man's heart, as Golding wrote, narrating through the microcosm of children the tragic reality of the human condition.' – The Guardian
- 'Lord of the Flies remains as provocative and relevant as ever, offering profound insights into human nature and societal constructs.' – The New York Times
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Lord of the Flies FAQs
Why was Lord of the Flies banned?
The book has been banned due to its brutal violence and disturbing ideas about human nature and societal breakdown.
Should a 13 year old read Lord of the Flies?
While the book is written for ages 13 and up, parents should consider the mature themes and disturbing content before allowing younger readers to engage with it.
What grade level is the Lord of the Flies?
The book is frequently taught in the 9th and 10th grades, with a Lexile measure of 770L.
Is Lord of the Flies book scary?
The novel is terrifying, not because of supernatural elements, but due to its exploration of 'the darkness of man's heart,' making it a psychologically intense read.