 Written by Lauryn Smith
I finally read one of the most popular high school English class staples, namely "Lord of the Flies," William Golding’s unsettling, fictionalized account of young boys stranded on an island and struggling to establish a functioning society. And, my—what a story. The book lives up to its reputation as a macabre tale. After a plane crashes on an uninhabited island, a large group of British “little ‘uns” and preteens sets up camp with desperate hopes of being rescued. Ralph, the initially elected leader of the group, and his level-headed, logical, physically awkward pal, Piggy, desire to live rationally and peacefully until their presumed rescue. However, Jack, the antagonizing, self-imposed leader, and his loyal followers unabashedly live as savages with little mind to rescue. Naturally, conflict ensues. Written in 1954, "Lord of the Flies" serves as a warning of humankind’s suppressed instincts. Golding purports that human nature and personal welfare will ultimately trump the common good. He illustrates that when left to the elements, away from civilization, with no authority to rely on for guidance, all of which inevitably lends for self-governance, individuals are likely to turn against one another for personal gain, power and survival.
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