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89 Lord of the Flies Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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• Ralph’s character development in “Lord of the Flies.”
• The main theme in “Lord of the Flies.”
• The success of William Golding’s debut novel.
• “Lord of the Flies”: a discussion of innocence and power.
• The role of the conch in “Lord of the Flies.”
• Civilization vs. savagery in “Lord of the Flies.”
• William Golding’s commentary on human nature and evil.
• The symbolism of fear in “Lord of the Flies.”
• A literary analysis of “Lord of the Flies.”
• “Lord of the Flies”: a summary of events.
• Evil in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding The idea is that we are born with both the capacity of good and the capacity of evil and that the way we are raised, or the environment in which we live determines how we […]
• “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding The reader will wonder that all the boys respond in the same manner to the sound of the blown shell. The author uses aesthetics to drive emotions out of the reader about the value of […]
• Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding In The Lord of the Flies, the fire in the story is lit as a symbol of hope and rescue. The island in The Lord Of The Flies resembled the perfect type of Utopia at […]
• Lord of the Flies, an Allegorical Novel by William Golding As the auction proceeds, the reader follows the heartbreaking events of the book. Boys hunt down a pig and place its head on a stick as an ‘offering’ to the ‘beast’.
• Literature Studies: “Lord of the Flies” by W. Golding Although Jack Merridew, one of the lead characters of William Golding’s shockingly unforgettable Lord of the Flies novel, is a child and still has a lot to learn in terms of how society works, the […]
• Writing on the Novel I Love: Lord of the Flies In a given Lord of the Flies essay, one needs to illustrate the different themes used by Golding in his novel.
• Lord of the Flies: Novel Analysis The sinister nature of the novel is inferred in the title which derives from the Hebrew word, Ba’al-zvuv which means god of the fly, host of the fly or literally the Lord of Flies a […]
• Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies” by Golding Considering this, the present paper will analyze the validity of the given statement by drawing on the experiences of characters in Lord of the Flies and evaluating the conditions in which they lived.
• A Comprehensive Analysis of the Key Elements of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• The Role of Simon in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Literary Comparison of Ballantyne’s “Coral Island” and Golding’s Island in “Lord of the Flies”
• Attitude Towards Children in the Story “Lord of the Flies”
• Jack as a Symbol of Savagery and Anarchy in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• A Description of the Potential for Evil in Everyone as One of the Theme in the Novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Evil in Humanity in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Savagery and the Beast Theme in “Lord of the Flies”
• The Fall of Civilization Into Savagery in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• An Allegory of Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis Theory in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• A Literary Analysis of the Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• A Comparison Between the Movie and Novel “Lord of the Flies”
• Abuse of Power and the Effect of Tyrannical Leadership Between “Lord of the Flies” and “The Chrysalids”
• Fear of the Unknown in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• A Comparison of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding and “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles on Peer Pressure
• Internal and External Conflicts in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Importance of the Extract in the Development of the Main Themes in “Lord of the Flies”
• Destructiveness of Jealousy Depicted in “Lord of the Flies” and “Woman Warrior”
• A Demonstration of the Influence and Power of People Over One Another Through the Character of Piggy in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• A Character of Piggy as the Character Who Most Deserved to Be Saved in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• The Role of Government in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Moral Consequences in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• The Symbolism of Power in “Lord of the Flies”
• An Analysis of Human Behavior in “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Lord of the Flies”
• Changes in the Conception of God in “Lord of the Flies”
• Inate Evil in “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and “Lord of the Flies”
• A Look at Disturbing Events Highlighted in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• Allegory of Social Dissolution “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Ralph as a Good Leader in “Lord of the Flies”
• An Analysis of Democratic and Authoritarian Power in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Leaders and Leadership in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Golding’s Pessimistic View on People and Society in His Book “Lord of the Flies”
• Analyzing the Themes of Innocence and Fear in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• A Description of the Occurrence of Civilization in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Importance of the Beast in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”: A Dream of a Deserted Island Into Reality
• Adventures, Conflicts, and Struggles in “Lord of the Flies”
• Good and Evil in Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Failure of Paradise in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• Immorality of Human Nature Depicted in Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• Formation of Rules and Perception of Civilisation in “Lord of the Flies”
• How Golding Presents the Decline From Civilisation to Savagery in “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Does Piggy Symbolize in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does the Second World War Reflect on “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Ideas About Human Nature and Behavior Golding Was Trying to Express in “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Does the Plane Crash Symbolize in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does William Golding Present the Character of Jack in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Golding Express His Ideas About Leadership in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Roger Change in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding?
• How the Society Suppresses Evil in the Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Golding Create a Setting in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does the Author Present Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does William Golding Show Evil at Work in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Anybody Could Regress Into Savagery in Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Is the Author’s Characterisation and Language Attributed to the Novel of the “Lord of the Flies”?
• Why Did William Golding Name His Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Golding Present Death in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does the Setting Affect the Story “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Children Are Treated in the Story of “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Golding Make the Physical World Seem Important in “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Is Ralph’s Attitude Toward Piggy in the First Chapter of “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Many Boys Are in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Golding Creates Tension in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does the Opening Prepare the Reader for the Rest of the Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
• Why the Boys Were Doomed to Fail in “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Influenced William Golding to Write “Lord of the Flies”?
• Ways That Golding Presents the Island in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Golding Uses Symbols in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does William Golding Use the Setting to Develop the Main Theme of His Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Piggy’s Character Develop Through Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Ruined Ralph and Jack’s Friendship in “Lord of the Flies”?
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• Lord of the Flies

William Golding

• Literature Notes
• Major Themes
• Lord of the Flies at a Glance
• Book Summary
• About Lord of the Flies
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Character Analysis
• Character Map
• William Golding Biography
• Critical Essays
• Concept, Identity, and Manifestations of the Beast
• Golding's Use of the Fable Structure
• Famous Quotes
• Film Versions
• Full Glossary
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Critical Essays Major Themes

Problem of Evil

Lord of the Flies was driven by " Golding 's consideration of human evil, a complex topic that involves an examination not only of human nature but also the causes, effects, and manifestations of evil. It demands also a close observation of the methods or ideologies humankind uses to combat evil and whether those methods are effective. Golding addresses these topics through the intricate allegory of his novel.

When Lord of the Flies was first released in 1954, Golding described the novel's theme in a publicity questionnaire as "an attempt to trace the defects of society back to the defects of human nature." In his 1982 essay A Moving Target , he stated simply "The theme of Lord of the Flies is grief, sheer grief, grief, grief." The novel ends of course with Ralph grieving the indelible mark of evil in each person's heart, an evil he scarcely suspected existed before witnessing its effects on his friends and supporters. The former schoolboys sought unthinkingly to dominate others who were not of their group. They discovered within themselves the urge to inflict pain and enjoyed the accompanying rush of power. When confronted with a choice between reason's civilizing influence and animality's self-indulgent savagery, they choose to abandon the values of the civilization that Ralph represents.

This same choice is made constantly all over the world, all throughout history — the source of the grief Golding sought to convey. He places supposedly innocent schoolboys in the protected environment of an uninhabited tropical island to illustrate the point that savagery is not confined to certain people in particular environments but exists in everyone as a stain on, if not a dominator of, the nobler side of human nature. Golding depicts the smallest boys acting out, in innocence, the same cruel desire for mastery shown by Jack and his tribe while hunting pigs and, later, Ralph. The adults waging the war that marooned the boys on the island are also enacting the desire to rule others.

Ironically, by giving rein to their urge to dominate, the boys find themselves in the grip of a force they can neither understand nor acknowledge. The Lord of the Flies tells Simon "Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!" and then laughs at the boys' efforts to externalize their savagery in the form of an animal or other fearsome creature. Simon has the revelation that evil isn't simply a component of human nature, but an active element that seeks expression.

Outlets for Violence

Most societies set up mechanisms to channel aggressive impulses into productive enterprises or projects. On the island, Jack's hunters are successful in providing meat for the group because they tap into their innate ability to commit violence. To the extent that this violence is a reasoned response to the group's needs (for example, to feed for the population), it produces positive effects and outcomes. However, when the violence becomes the motivator and the desired outcome lacks social or moral value beyond itself, as it does with the hunters, at that point the violence becomes evil, savage, and diabolical.

Violence continues to exist in modern society and is institutionalized in the military and politics. Golding develops this theme by having his characters establish a democratic assembly, which is greatly affected by the verbal violence of Jack's power-plays, and an army of hunters, which ultimately forms a small military dictatorship. The boys' assemblies are likened to both ends of the social or civil spectrum, from pre-verbal tribe gatherings to modern governmental institutions, indicating that while the forum for politics has changed over the millennia, the dynamic remains the same.

Continued on next page...

Previous William Golding Biography

Next Major Themes

A Summary and Analysis of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Lord of the Flies was first published in 1954, although it very nearly wasn’t published at all. Its author, William Golding, was a struggling grammar-school teacher when he wrote it, having been given the germ of the idea by his wife, Ann.

The novel’s title is a reference to Beelzebub, a name for the Devil, which means literally ‘lord of the flies’ (at least in most translations ). Given the fact that power, devilry, and, yes, flies are all central aspects of Lord of the Flies , the title is especially apt.

Golding (nicknamed ‘Scruff’ by his pupils) struggled to get the novel accepted by numerous publishers before Faber and Faber took it on. However, even there it was initially rejected (the initial reader at Faber dismissed it as ‘absurd and uninteresting fantasy’ and ‘rubbish and dull’) until a young editor, Charles Monteith, saw potential in the manuscript and got it accepted. It still sells tens of thousands of copies every year.

But how should we interpret this tale of post-apocalyptic barbarism? Before we offer an analysis of Golding’s novel, here’s a brief reminder of the plot.

Lord of the Flies : plot summary

The novel begins with a plane carrying a group of British schoolboys being shot down; the boys land on a desert island. Two of them, Ralph and Piggy, find a conch shell on the beach, and they use it to signal to the rest of the schoolboys, who then start to form their own ‘society’, with a leader elected among them.

Ralph is named the leader while Jack is his sort of second-in-command, in charge of finding food on the island.

After they start a fire to try to signal for help, they accidentally burn down a large part of the nearby forest, killing one boy. When a ship does sail past, it doesn’t stop to rescue the boys because Jack’s band of hunters have carelessly allowed the signal-fire to go out.

Jack and his gang have managed to hunt and kill a pig for them to eat. Things start to get out of hand, and some of the younger boys in particular are terrified that some sea-monster will come and kill them.

When a parachutist – part of a team of fighter-pilots flying overhead – lands on the island, several of the boys think his flapping parachute is the wings of the mysterious island ‘beast’, and they run away, terrified, and spreading fear to the other boys, who organise a hunting trip to try to catch the beast.

Jack and Ralph fall out, with Jack trying to oust the more senior boy from the position of leader – a move that the rest of the boys resist. Jack stomps off with his hunting band, and many of the other boys subsequently desert Ralph’s ‘side’ for Jack.

Jack, emboldened by his new supporters, ritually sacrifices a pig, which is decapitated, its head placed on a stick. Simon sees it, and thinks it’s talking to him: some devil-like figure known as ‘Lord of the Flies’. When Simon returns to the others, they set upon him and kill him, not realising who he is. Jack and his hunters run off with Piggy’s glasses. Jack and Ralph fight, and Piggy is killed with a rock.

Jack and the others hunt Ralph, who flees, only to be rescued by a British sailor who was on board a ship that spotted the fire raging on the island and came ashore. The other boys turn up, and when the officer confronts them over their appearance, they all break down in tears.

Lord of the Flies : analysis

Golding conceived Lord of the Flies as a sort of dark counterpart, or response, to the classic Victorian boys’ adventure novel, The Coral Island by R. M. Ballantyne, in which three boys are marooned on a Pacific island.

But whereas in Ballantyne’s 1857 novel the stranded children encounter evil as an exterior force on the island, Golding inverted this: he shows us, unsettlingly, that evil is always lurking within ourselves, and is only ever just beneath the surface in so-called ‘ordinary’ or ‘civilised’ people.

Golding’s working title for his novel, Strangers from Within , makes it clear that the devil – that ‘Lord of the Flies’ – is within us, all of us, rather than outside, elsewhere.

But although Golding’s novel is often viewed as a dystopian tale about ‘human nature’ and how, in times of desperation and disaster, certain people will seize power and others will be the victims of their oppressive control, Lord of the Flies actually has its roots in something more specific than this: the British class system.

The three principal characters of the novel – Ralph, Piggy, and Jack – represent the three main classes in England, much as the famous class sketch from The Frost Report captured in a sketch just over a decade after Golding’s novel appeared.

As John Sutherland argues in his discussion of Lord of the Flies in How to be Well Read: A guide to 500 great novels and a handful of literary curiosities , Ralph is a grammar-school boy, Piggy the product of a working-class ‘tech’ school (a short-lived post-war phenomenon), and Jack the privileged public school boy.

Ralph, therefore, is riddled with self-doubt about his middling position in English society: the Jacks of the world are above him and the Piggies below him. Jack has all of the confidence of someone born into privilege and with an almost innate sense of their right to lord it over everyone else.

The message of Lord of the Flies , then, is that if you remove these schoolchildren from Britain, the British class system will still reassert itself as they construct their own stratified ‘society’. The island on which the boys are stranded becomes like the island of Great Britain which they left.

Piggy, however, is working-class. As Sutherland argues, his use of phrases like ‘the runs’ instead of, say, ‘an upset tummy’ are subtle ways in which Golding, without hammering home Piggy’s origins, reveal his status to the reader. He was always destined to be the scapegoat because the English class system dictated it. Coupled with his physical or evolutionary disadvantage (his extreme myopia and reliance on glasses) and he was doomed from the start.

The British class system, then, informs the novel, making it a peculiarly British dissection of power structures. According to Sutherland, Golding – himself a teacher at the sort of grammar school which produced the decent and honourable Ralph – once said that he would happily blow up every public school in England, and Lord of the Flies shows how it is the Jack Merridews produced by the English public school system which are the most capable of wreaking destructive power over others.

But it’s also true that Lord of the Flies bears the influence of another important experience in Golding’s life: his experience in the Second World War fighting in the Royal Navy, which showed him first-hand how ordinary men could become capable of performing acts of great evil.

Of course, the horrors of Nazi Germany were also an important source for Golding’s depiction of evil, especially the way the other boys merrily join Jack’s command.

Along with its searing commentary on the inherent evils of the British class system, Lord of the Flies is a powerful narrative about how fear is all it takes to persuade many ‘normal’, ‘decent’ people to behave horrifically.

1 thought on “A Summary and Analysis of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies”

We “did” this at school. I don’t know why they thought a book about badly-behaved boys would interest a class of girls!

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Lord of the Flies Themes

A theme is an overarching idea that runs through a literary text in one or some parts. It makes up the major point the author he wants to convey to his readers. Lord of the Flies is a rich literary text that contains multidimensional themes. Some of the overarching themes are discussed below.

Themes in Lord of the Flies

Loss of innocence.

Loss of innocence is one of the major themes of Lord of the Flies . Piggy, Ralph and “littluns” represent innocence. The death of Piggy and flight of Ralph from fear of death at the hands of Jack and his hunters is the loss of innocence. At first, the innocent boys have become hunters symbolically. However, later in the novel , they turn upon Ralph after killing Piggy. Hence, they become hunters of human life. This is where their innocence is lost in the maze of confusion.

Savageness and Society

‘Savageness’ in the society is another overarching theme of Lord of the Flies . Through the character of Jack and his hunters, William Golding has wonderfully displayed that human nature can quickly turn from prey to savagery. Except for Jack, all others are just followers . The ways of Jack tempt them toward hunting which is savagery in nature. With the passage of time, they become savages and start hunting human beings. This shows how savageness or savagery spread in a society when there are no restrictions.

Vice against Virtue

Vice against virtue is another major theme of the novel. William Golding has deliberately put children in the wilderness to evaluate how virtue is an innate feature of human nature, and how it loses against the vice. Although simple at first, a devious immoral action of Jack to dominate the children by taking leadership from Ralph turns into a vice. It gradually dominates others, and by the end of the novel, Ralph is left alone to represent virtue on that island.

End of Rationalism

Lord of the Flies shows how rationalism is a good virtue but also very difficult to practice. Piggy, the representative of rationalism and rational thinking, is timid when it comes to asserting his rationality. He fears that absurdity is dominating, and it will swallow him. Jack’s irrational reasoning becomes Piggy’s foe. Eventually, Jack succeeds in killing Piggy as soon as he finds an opportunity. With Piggy’s death, the rational thinking among the children comes to an end. Soon they degenerate into a herd of killers.

Absence of Social Norms

A major latent theme that William Golding has put into Lord of the Flies is the presence of social norms and traditions. The idea behind this theme is that it is the pressure of the social norms and traditions that force people to obey laws and rules or traditions. If there is an absence of social norms, people show their true nature, and it is mostly evil and vicious. However, social norms, traditions, and customs protect the weaker group. Hence, Piggy remained safe until there were a proper leadership and rule of conch. Yet he is instantly killed when conch becomes an obsolete thing.

Dehumanization of Relations

Relations between human beings is one of the greatest mysteries . This novel shows when relations between human beings degenerates they reach to low-down state. Seeing the corrupt humans, you may want to believe the animals are better. Jack instantly orders the killing of Piggy when they become two parties, and war for domination ensues. Ralph and Jack are just two boys with normal relations. However, when Jack becomes his enemy, their relationship deteriorates. This is called dehumanization of relations; both boys turn against each other.

The Nature of Evil or Vice

It is generally believed that all human beings are good and that vice dominates only during trying circumstances. However, Lord of the Flies shows a different perspective . It shows that not only human beings are good or bad, but also some have a tendency toward evil or vice such as Jack. This leads to a total lapse of character if there is no social or legal restriction on humans. This also shows that evil spreads quickly if goodness is not present to obstruct it with the same proportion.

Community against Individual

Although the theme of a community against an individual is a minor one, it runs throughout the novel. From the very start, when Ralph becomes the leader and Piggy supports him, Jack turns against them. He forms his own group and community of hunters. Eventually, this community turns against Ralph after killing Piggy. Ralph is left alone and is on the run for his life. It shows how a community persecutes an individual who refuses to conform to destructive rituals.

Progress of Civilization

Lord of the Flies shows the progress of civilization through its incidents. The two group of boys, hunters of Jack and followers of Ralph, compete with each other. Ralph represents civilization, order, and rule, while Jack and his group represent savagery and barbarism. The competition reaches its peak when conch is defied, and rules are broken. Finally, the hunters take over the island and hinder the progress of civilization. The representative of rationality, Piggy is killed, while Ralph runs for life.

Absence of Laws

When the children land on the island, they are left on their own. They do not have any social setup with traditions and rules. Ralph and Piggy try to set up a decent society through the assembly with the help of the conch. However, due to the absence of responsible adult supervision and guidance, they soon resort to violence. The strong group of hunters see that there are no binding laws and punishing authority. Therefore, they form a separate strong group and try to break their rules. Once the rules are broken, they are on the loose. Unfortunately, Piggy is killed in this mayhem. Lack of a leader makes them bolder, and they try to kill Ralph too, who fortunately saves himself when the British officer arrive. This shows that absence of laws creates chaos and disorder that leads to killing the innocents and the weak.

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Lord of the flies – sample essay..

Choose a novel in which an important theme is explored. Explain how the author develops this theme throughout the novel.

            The Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel in which the theme of savagery versus civilisation is explored. Some British boys are stranded on an isolated island at the time of an imaginary nuclear war. On the island we see conflict between two main characters, Jack and Ralph, who respectively represent civilisation and savagery. This has an effect on the rest of the boys throughout the novel as they delve further and further into savagery.

             The theme of savagery versus civilisation is first introduced to us through the symbol of the conch shell which we associate with Ralph as he is the person who first uses it and becomes the elected leader of the boys. This symbolises authority amongst the boys. At the first assembly Ralph says “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak…he won’t be interrupted”. This suggests civilisation as Ralph is allowing each boy to have an equal say and opinion. If they have the conch, no matter who they are or what age they are they will be given the chance to speak and will be listened to by the rest of the boys. The boys have created the island to be a democratic place which shows a civilised side to them as they try to mimic the homes they have just left.

             Contrasting with the symbol of the conch is the symbol of the beast which comes to be associated with Jack as by the end of the novel he is almost devil worshipping it. The beast begins as a  “snake thing” but by the end of the novel it has become “the Lord of the Flies”. The first quote shows us that the beast is clearly evil. Western society considers snakes to be bad omens because it was a snake that led Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge. However at this stage of the novel the beast is quite insubstantial as it is only a “thing”. As the boys fear of the beast grows so to does the beast itself until it has manifested into the devil – the ultimate and most powerful evil. He has a strong status as a Lord although it is over something pretty disgusting – the flies. The boys belief in the beast leads them to behave more like savages as they act out from their fear and they begin to loose hold of the rules, led by Jack, thus demonstrating the theme of savagery.

             One of ways Golding shows conflict between savagery and civilisation is when Jack and some of the other boys are killing the first pig. Jack chants “kill the pig, cut her throat, spill the blood”. This suggests savagery as the boys are being violent and aggressive when killing the pig and they don’t care about it. This is particularly clear through Golding’s word choice. Jack talks about cutting the pig’s throat which makes it sound like a savage action and spilling her blood which reinforces the lack of care and feeling shown towards the pug’s carcass. This shows that the boys are no longer feeling guilty about what they have done thus showing them becoming savages. 

             We can see the conflict between savagery and civilisation developing further when Piggy’s glasses are broken. We are told “Piggy cried out in terror ‘my specs!” This shows us that the boys savage natures are beginning to overule their more civilised sides. At the start of the book Jack would never have dared touch Piggy, but here he actually snaps and goes for Piggy who he despises. We can tell that Piggy is really scared as Golding chooses the words “cried” and “terror” to describe the scene. Piggy sounds like he is hurting and is genuinely terrified about what Jack might do to him and the loss of his sight. Piggy’s glasses have also come to represent intelligence on the island, with them breaking we see that the pathway to savagery is now completely open for the boys. This is the first true piece of violence between the two factions on the island and it will result in nearly all the boys becoming savages.

             A final way in which we see the theme of savagery versus civilisation being demonstrated is when Ralph sticks up for Piggy after he is attacked by Jack. Ralph says “that was a dirty trick”. This shows that Ralph is really angry at Jack for what he said and did to Piggy. He is still attempting to impose himself as leader here as he says this in an aggressive and assertive tone. This suggests there is still some glimmers of civilisation on the island at this point as there is still someone with a sense of moral goodness ready to fight for justice.

             In conclusion The Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel in which the theme of savagery versus civilisation is shown. Ralph represents civilisation as he wants to enforce rules and let everyone have an equal say. Whereas Jack who represents savagery as he rules over the boys and he is not interested in what they have to say. Through the boys actions Golding shows us that we need rules and to consciously impose them to make sure society functions properly.

27 thoughts on “Lord of the Flies – sample essay.”

AWESOME thanks guys!!

This essay was really helpful and thought provoking. I noticed a comment about how this essay could improve and I understand that this essay follows Scottish Qualifications, but I just have two suggestions to improve it.

At the beginning of Paragraph 4 it states “One of ways”. I think that perhaps the author meant “One of the ways”.

Also, in Paragraph 5 the author uses “We”, it may be different in Scotland, but I learnt that in essays one does not use personal pronouns.

Other than that it was really well written <3 Thank you!

I’m sorry you didn’t find the essay any help. There are mistakes in this as it was written by a National 5 class and is an exact sample essay as written by the pupils (equivalent to GCSE) and as a result of that there are some errors. It does talk about the same thing over and over again – civilisation versus savagery – but it is supposed to as this was the focus of the essay question. When writing a critical essay you need to pick out things from the text that answer the question. You will notice that different things are picked out from the text that relate to the fight between civilisation and savagery – whether this is the symbols used in the book or the actions of some of the characters. Once this has been selected to speak about you need to lift evidence from the text to support what you are saying and then explain it to your readers. I hope this has helped you understand the point of the essay a bit better.

Ms Davidson

Is this essay meant to be for a GSCE course? I am doing an essay about it now and I’m in year 8.

This text is being used by students in a Scottish Secondary School for their National 5 English qualification. They sit their exam at the equivalent age to those studying GCSEs. It doesn’t really matter what age you are when you study the text, it’s more to do with the levels of analysis you go through whilst studying the text. This essay would be a minimum pass at National 5 in Scotland. It is written by students and is simply an example of what students could write in their exam.

Hope that’s helped, Ms Davidson

I was desperate to know what to write in the conclusion but then this conclusion gave me some help, Thank you

Thank you so much!! The points in this essay are extremely helpful and I was able to interlink them in my GCSE exam today. Very helpful source!!

You are very welcome!

I’m glad you found it useful!

Thanks so much I have this 5 paragraph essay that’s due and you helped me so much for idea wise

WOOOOW amazing thank you so much

😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

this is gold as I have to write an essay on lotf and was having troubles finding main quotes the had good techniques paired to them and this helped a lot

Is this a full mark piece ?

This would probably get 15-16 out of 20 at National 5 in the Scottish system. Hope that helps.

Glad it was useful!

Thank you so much this was so extremely helpful. You are a lifesaver!

I’m glad I found this essay because i got an A on my school essay. THANK YOU SO MUCH 🙂

I wanted conflict between ralph and jack ONLY

You can change the points and the link backs (the first and last sentence in each paragraph) to focus on the conflict between Jack and Ralph if you need to. Each symbol talked about here is either associated with Jack or Ralph. Also Jack and Ralph link to the wider theme of the book with each boy respectively representing civilisation or savagery. This essay can be used to help you structure the one you need to write.

I am writing a paragraph and i need to write about the theme, charecters/groups… i cant start the paragraph with the answers, i need an intro, what can i do for an intro, i am a bit stuck

I’m not sure I understand your question Sarah. Your paragraph seems to include an awful lot of things. What is the overall point you are trying to talk about? If you were looking at the theme of civilisation then you could start with a simple sentence saying “The Lord of the Flies explores the theme of savagery versus civilisation”. If you are focusing on a particular character then begin with “The Lord of the Flies uses one of it’s main characters Jack/Ralph to explore certain ideas within the text.” I hope this helps. Ms Davidson

This helped me soon much!I’m so happy that I got an A+!My teacher was so happy.

That’s excellent!

THANK YOU SO MUCH 🙂

I need help with that essay lotf essay why should a leader read lotf base on ralph.

Take a look at the essay based on the character Ralph. Adapt it the first sentence in each paragraph (your POINT) so that it focuses on Ralph being a good example of being a leader, or how they can learn a lesson from him doing something that shows him being a bad leader. Then adapt the final sentence (your LINK BACK) so it responds to him setting an example (or not!) for leaders.

I was reading through the comments and you mentioned that the essay would be about 15-16 marks out of 20, and was wonder what improvements could be made to get the last few marks?

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Lord of the Flies

William golding, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Most of the boys on the island either hide behind civilization, denying the beast's existence, or succumb to the beast 's power by embracing savagery. But in Lord of the Flies , Golding presents an alternative to civilized suppression and beastly savagery. This is a life of religion and spiritual truth-seeking, in which men look into their own hearts, accept that there is a beast within, and face it squarely.

Simon occupies this role in Lord of the Flies , and in doing so he symbolizes all the great spiritual and religious men, from Jesus to Buddha to nameless mystics and shamans, who have sought to help other men accept and face the terrible fact that the beast they fear is themselves. Of all the boys, only Simon fights through his own fear to discover that the "beast" at the mountaintop is just a dead man. But when Simon returns with the news that there's no real beast, only the beast within, the other boys kill him. Not just the savages, not just the civilized boys—all the boys kill Simon, because all of the boys lack the courage Simon displayed in facing the beast.

Spirituality and Religion ThemeTracker

Spirituality and Religion Quotes in Lord of the Flies

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Teachmeforfree review, how to cite a dissertation, how to cite page numbers in apa, lord of the flies themes.

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The following review example can serve as a guide for students trying to find inspiration when writing an assignment on the themes of “Lord of the Flies”

What makes a book the staple in the classroom, the beloved read on the shelf, and censorship for society? The answer is easy, a fresh and brave look on the world. 

William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” epitomizes this through its timeless exploration of human nature and societal needs. Despite being set in the 1950s, it remains relevant in modern education, bridging the gap between past and present. The novel’s themes of civilization versus savagery, and order versus chaos, are as relevant today as ever, reflecting current societal and governmental issues. Thus, “Lord of the Flies” continues to be a critical educational resource, demonstrating how classical literature can remain significant across generations.

What is the theme of “Lord of the Flies”?

“Lord of the Flies” delves into the stark conflict between civilization and savagery, a theme that unfolds through the experiences of stranded English schoolboys on a deserted island. At the heart of this story is the struggle between two opposing impulses within humans. One is the instinct to live peacefully, follow rules, and respect the collective good. The other is a darker urge to fulfill immediate desires, assert dominance, and resort to violence.

The novel portrays these conflicting instincts through its characters, mainly Ralph and Jack. Ralph symbolizes order and leadership. He strives to maintain a civilized society on the island, establishing rules and focusing on rescue. His use of the conch shell to call meetings is emblematic of his commitment to democracy and order. Conversely, Jack embodies savagery and a thirst for power. His journey from a choirboy to a ruthless leader of a rival group showcases the descent into savagery. His rule is marked by fear, violence, and the worship of a primitive idol, The Lord of the Flies, a gruesome symbol of chaos and savagery.

As the story progresses, the tension between these two leaders escalates, reflecting the broader conflict between civilization and savagery. Initially, there’s a balance, with Jack’s hunting activities channeling his aggressive instincts productively. However, this balance crumbles as Jack rejects Ralph’s authority and civilized norms. His refusal to follow the rules marks a shift towards savagery and the decline of civilized order on the island.

The novel’s symbols further accentuate this conflict. The conch shell, associated with Ralph, starts as a symbol of authority and democratic order but loses its significance as Jack’s savagery gains prominence. The Lord of the Flies, linked to Jack, symbolizes the dominance of savagery and fear. The destruction of the conch shell, coinciding with the brutal murder of Piggy, signifies the complete collapse of civilization. In contrast, Ralph’s destruction of The Lord of the Flies indicates his own spiral into violence, highlighting how savagery ultimately overshadows civilization.

Golding’s narrative suggests that while civilization can suppress the baser instincts of savagery, these primal urges are inherent and can resurface under certain conditions. Characters like Piggy and Roger represent the spectrum of these instincts, with Piggy lacking savage impulses and Roger being almost unable to understand civilized behavior. The transformation of the boys, from disciplined, moral individuals to wild, barbaric beings, underscores the novel’s central concern: the ongoing battle between the civilizing force of society and the inherent savagery in human nature.

The allegorical nature of “Lord of the Flies” allows Golding to explore these themes deeply. The island becomes a microcosm for the world, where the struggle between good (civilization) and evil (savagery) plays out. The story concludes with the chilling realization that savagery lies not in some external beast but within each individual. This acknowledgment of inherent evil, as symbolized by the beast and the sow’s head, is central to the narrative. Golding ultimately posits that moral behavior is often a societal construct, suggesting that in the absence of civilization, humans may naturally gravitate towards cruelty and barbarism. Simon, the only character depicted with innate goodness, stands as a solitary figure in contrast to this bleak view of human nature.

Weaknesses and Strengths

In “Lord of the Flies,” William Golding explores the strengths and weaknesses of his characters, offering a deep insight into human nature and leadership. Each character in the novel possesses unique traits that both aid and hinder their survival and influence on the island. These characteristics also reflect different styles of leadership and governance, highlighting the complexities and challenges in forming a society.

Ralph, the protagonist, emerges as a leader who values democracy and cooperation. His key strength lies in his willingness to prioritize the group’s welfare and his efforts to maintain order through democratic means. He understands the importance of working together and staying focused on rescue. However, Ralph’s weaknesses are equally pronounced. He lacks natural authority and struggles to maintain focus, which undermines his ability to lead effectively. His democratic approach, while morally sound, fails to inspire or control the boys as effectively as Jack’s authoritarian style.

Piggy, representing intellect and morality, is the voice of reason on the island. His intelligence and strong sense of right and wrong make him a valuable advisor in the group. Piggy’s insights often point towards rational solutions to the problems the boys face. However, his physical weaknesses, coupled with his whiny demeanor, prevent him from being a strong influence. Piggy’s lack of physical prowess and his annoying traits make him an easy target for ridicule and disregard, undermining his valuable contributions.

Jack, on the other hand, embodies a starkly different leadership style. He is charismatic and has a natural ability to manipulate others, making him an effective, albeit tyrannical, leader. Jack’s strengths lie in his assertiveness and drive, which appeal to the boys’ primal instincts and desire for excitement. However, his leadership is deeply flawed. Jack’s selfishness and immaturity lead to a reign of fear and savagery, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and authoritarian rule. His ability to sway the boys stems more from their fear and the allure of savagery than from any positive leadership qualities.

Simon stands apart with his kindness and insight. He is the moral compass of the group, showing an innate goodness and understanding of the deeper truths of their situation. Yet, Simon’s strengths are overshadowed by his inability to communicate effectively and his physical vulnerability, particularly his epilepsy. His quiet, introspective nature makes it difficult for him to assert his views, rendering his wisdom largely unheard.

The interplay of these strengths and weaknesses is crucial in shaping the novel’s events. Ralph, Piggy, and Simon, despite their positive qualities, fail to maintain order against Jack’s domineering and manipulative tactics. This dynamic illustrates a critical commentary on leadership and society. It shows how individuals with noble intentions and beneficial qualities can be overshadowed by those who wield charisma and power, even if it’s for selfish or destructive ends. The boys’ descent into chaos under Jack’s rule demonstrates how easily a society can collapse when led by someone skilled in exploitation and intimidation, rather than by those who have the group’s best interests at heart.

Golding’s portrayal of these characters underscores a bleak reality: in the absence of a structured society, the darker aspects of human nature can prevail. The novel serves as a warning about the fragility of civilization and the inherent dangers of allowing charismatic, yet unprincipled, individuals to seize power. It reveals that in the struggle for leadership and order, it is often not the most virtuous or intelligent who prevail, but those who can most effectively exploit the weaknesses of others and appeal to their baser instincts.

Danger of Mob mentality

In “Lord of the Flies,” the boys’ descent into savagery is marked by their embrace of mob mentality, leading to extreme violence and cruelty. The novel vividly illustrates how the boys, initially innocent, transform into a violent mob. This shift is evident in their chant, “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood,” which turns a violent act into a unifying, almost celebratory ritual. This group mentality allows them to commit increasingly heinous acts, as they convince themselves that these actions are justified to protect against an imagined beast. The use of warpaint is symbolic of their loss of individual identity and moral responsibility, further fueling their descent into barbarism. Even characters like Ralph and Piggy, who initially resist this savagery, find themselves drawn into the violent rituals. The tragic climax, where the mob kills Simon in a frenzied ritual, highlights the terrifying consequences of mob mentality: rational thought is lost, and violence escalates to the point of murder.

Future of Mankind

“Lord of the Flies,” set against the backdrop of a global war, offers a stark depiction of society’s struggle to rebuild after a catastrophic event. The novel focuses on a group of boys stranded on an island, who attempt to create a new social order. Initially, they try to establish rules and a sense of fairness, but as the challenges of survival intensify, these ideals quickly collapse. The arrival of a paratrooper on the island serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing war in the outside world, underscoring the inescapable nature of conflict. Despite their youth and isolation, the boys succumb to violence, echoing the war that rages beyond their island. This descent into savagery, marked by torture and murder, mirrors the chaos and brutality of the war-torn world they have left behind. The novel thus reflects on the fragile nature of civilization and the ease with which humanity can revert to primal instincts in the face of adversity.

“Lord of the Flies” themes include the conflict between civilization and savagery, the dangers of mob mentality, and the fragility of societal structures post-catastrophe, all explored through the characters’ inherent strengths, weaknesses, and descent into barbarism.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Lord of The Flies — Conflict In Lord Of The Flies

Conflict in Lord of The Flies

• Categories: Lord of The Flies

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Words: 619 |

Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 619 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

I. introduction, thesis statement:, ii. internal conflicts, a. ralph vs. jack: the struggle for leadership and power, b. piggy vs. the other boys: the marginalization and bullying of piggy, c. simon's internal conflict: the battle between reason and instinct, iii. power dynamics within the group, a. the emergence of factions and the breakdown of order, b. the role of fear and manipulation in maintaining control, c. the descent into violence and chaos.

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• Unique And Plagiarism Free

By William Golding

straight copy pastDive into the gripping tale of “Lord of the Flies,” a timeless masterpiece by William Golding that explores the darkest recesses of human nature. This classic novel, first published in 1954, plunges a group of innocent schoolboys into the unforgiving world of a deserted island. As they struggle to survive, their veneer of civility erodes, revealing the raw instincts that lurk beneath. Golding’s masterful use of allegory , symbolism , and foreshadowing illuminates the fragile line between civilization and savagery, making “Lord of the Flies” an unforgettable journey into the human psyche.

• The Struggle between Civilization and Savagery

The central theme of “Lord of the Flies” is the inherent conflict between the forces of civilization and the primal instincts of savagery. Golding explores how easily the thin veneer of society can be stripped away, revealing the darker nature that lies beneath.

• The Loss of Innocence

As the boys transition from a structured environment to a lawless one, they undergo a loss of innocence. The novel examines how exposure to violence and chaos can strip away the innocence of childhood and bring out the worst in humanity.

• The Power of Fear

Fear drives much of the action in “Lord of the Flies.” The boys’ fear of an imagined beast leads to irrational behavior and the breakdown of order. Golding suggests that fear can be a powerful force in controlling human behavior, both for good and for ill.

• The Nature of Leadership

Throughout the novel, various styles of leadership are explored, from the democratic approach of Ralph to the authoritarian rule of Jack. The struggle for power highlights the importance of effective leadership in maintaining order and the potential consequences of unchecked ambition.

• The Importance of Social Order

“Lord of the Flies” emphasizes the significance of social order in maintaining a civilized society. As the boys’ makeshift society unravels, Golding demonstrates the consequences of a complete breakdown of societal norms and structures.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

“Lord of the Flies” is an allegorical novel, where characters and events represent larger ideas or themes. The island, for example, symbolizes the world, and the boys represent different facets of humanity, exploring themes such as civilization, savagery, and human nature.

Golding employs symbolism to convey deeper meanings. Key symbols include the conch (representing order and authority), Piggy’s glasses (knowledge and insight), and the “beast” (the darkness and fear within human nature).

• Foreshadowing

The novel utilizes foreshadowing to hint at future events, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. The boys’ initial struggle to create a fire, for instance, foreshadows their eventual inability to maintain control and order.

Golding employs irony to highlight the contrast between the boys’ initial intentions and their ultimate actions. The ironic juxtaposition of the supposedly civilized boys devolving into savagery emphasizes the fragility of societal norms.

Vivid imagery is used throughout the novel to create a sense of place and to evoke emotions. Golding’s detailed descriptions of the island’s natural beauty contrast sharply with the brutality that unfolds.

Recurring motifs, such as the use of masks and the emphasis on the eyes, help reinforce the novel’s themes. Masks, for example, represent the boys’ descent into savagery, while the focus on eyes reflects their increasing loss of humanity.

The novel contains biblical allusions, such as the parallels between Simon and Christ, which highlight the struggle between good and evil in human nature.

• Juxtaposition

Golding uses juxtaposition to emphasize contrasts, such as the beauty of the island versus the violence of the boys, and the democratic leadership of Ralph versus the authoritarian rule of Jack.

• Alliteration

Alliteration , the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, is used for emphasis and to create a sense of rhythm . Examples include the “scar smashed into the jungle” and “coarse grass, torn everywhere.”

Assonance , the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, is used to create a sense of flow and musicality in the text. For instance, “the hunters followed, wedded to her in lust” demonstrates the use of assonance to enhance the prose’s impact.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

What is the main allegory in “lord of the flies”.

The main allegory in the novel is the island, which represents the world, with the boys symbolizing different aspects of human nature and society. The novel explores themes such as civilization, savagery, and human nature through this allegory .

What are some key symbols in the novel?

Key symbols in the novel include the conch (order and authority), Piggy’s glasses (knowledge and insight), and the “beast” (the darkness and fear within human nature).

How does Golding use foreshadowing in “Lord of the Flies”?

Golding uses foreshadowing to hint at future events and create a sense of tension and anticipation. Examples include the boys’ initial struggle to create fire, the appearance of the dead parachutist, and Simon’s vision of the Lord of the Flies.

How does irony play a role in the novel?

Irony is used to highlight contrasts and emphasize the fragility of societal norms. Examples include the boys’ initial optimism about life on the island, the destruction of civilization through their attempts to signal for rescue, and the arrival of the naval officer at the end of the novel.

What are some examples of imagery in “Lord of the Flies”?

Vivid imagery is used throughout the novel to create a sense of place and evoke emotions. Examples include descriptions of the island’s natural beauty, the haunting image of the dead parachutist, and the fire’s destructive force.

What are some recurring motifs in the novel?

Recurring motifs in “Lord of the Flies” include the use of masks, the emphasis on eyes, and the presence of fire. These motifs help reinforce the novel’s themes, such as the descent into savagery, loss of humanity, and the duality of civilization and destruction.

Can you provide examples of biblical allusions in the novel?

Biblical allusions in the novel include Simon’s character paralleling Christ, the island’s initial resemblance to the Garden of Eden, and the title’s reference to Beelzebub, a demonic figure associated with chaos and destruction.

How does Golding use juxtaposition in “Lord of the Flies”?

Golding uses juxtaposition to emphasize contrasts and create tension. Examples include the beauty of the island versus the violence of the boys, the democratic leadership of Ralph versus the authoritarian rule of Jack, and the forces of civilization versus savagery.

What are some examples of alliteration in the novel?

Examples of alliteration in “Lord of the Flies” include phrases such as “scar smashed into the jungle ,” “coarse grass, torn everywhere,” and “silver sand, scorched by the sun.” These instances of alliteration create emphasis and rhythm in the text.

Can you provide examples of assonance in the novel?

Examples of assonance in “Lord of the Flies” include phrases like “the hunters followed, wedded to her in lust,” “Roger remained, watching the littluns,” and “the silence of the forest was more oppressive than the heat.” Assonance is used to create flow and musicality in the prose.