Homework due on Monday:
"Lord of the Flies" is a terrifying novel. To what extent do you agree with this statement? What methods does Golding use to lead you to your view?
3 main quotes, 45 minutes. The mark scheme can be downloaded here (page 9). You can complete this task either in your book or on the blog.
i believe lord of the flies is terriying to the extent the whole atmoshpere of the book and the change of the chararcters behaviour has changed,Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood! Do him in!'' before the litluns was quite and innocent now the are blood thirsty killers which builds an terriying atmoshere of death fear and darkness
ReplyDelete'we'd hunt it and kill it.'
Wonu, this is very obviously not enough- I'm looking for an A/A* grade essay analysing three main quotations. A long way off the mark.
DeleteTargets:
1) Analyse language in detail for each quotation
2) Structure your work properly
3) Complete the essay
4) Much, much, much more detail needed!
"The wind roared once in the forest and pushed their rags against them." This shows the novel is terrifying due to the use of the word "roared." This evokes a sense of fright from the reader as brutal, flesh-eating animals such as lions do this to proclaim their territory and they also do this in the process of catching their prey. In this context, it creates a quite suspense and tense atmosphere of competition of survival. Also as the "wind" roars this could be the clarification from nature that they (the children) are always in danger and need to protect themselves before they become apart of the entity of the island. To add, as the wind is normally a soothing reassurance from nature the fact that it roars, clearly demonstrates that this novel is terrifying.
ReplyDeleteThis is exemplified further on page 14:
"The circle moved in and round. Robert squealed in mock terror, then in real pain."
The fact that the children are not referred to rather they are referred to as a "cirle" can suggest how detached from the civilation of society they are at, in this moment in time. This is terrifying as with an atmosphere without civilisation, there is due to be chaos. Also, as a "circle" is usually formed during chants and rutuals in , many cultures around the world and this could possibly suggest that all the children are tapping into their primitive entities before, one knew what was good and what was bad. Additionally, as Robert squeals, pigs are usually associated with this noise at the point of their death; as Robert is referred to this noise it is extremely terrifying in the sense of the connotaions attached to it. This can also show that their could possibly a death amongst the children which is terrifying and could provoke a quite distraught emotion from the audience, due to the childen(innocence) dying.
Finally, the novel not only is terrifying but possibly contains supernatural conspiracies:
"...back to sample this fresh rub of two spirits in the dark"
From this we can clearly see that this island has caused the children to percieve aspects differently, in a way that is associated with the spiritual realm. The fact that they have been stranded on this island has provoked and enabled many beliefs that would be disregarded in a civilasied society, to be expressed and accepted by everyone. Quintessential, as there seems to be two spirits one can infer that one can possibly be the spirit of good will, happiness, peace and unity; whereas the other spirit is the so called "bad" one which maybe of bitterness, egotistical and spite. Also, asd these spirits seem to rub in the dark this can possibly show that their is a change in spirit on the island and can possibly show that the spirits which are present in the children are slowly being joined with darkness revealing their true identities and display the true evil in man's heart whether man or child. Possibly showign that this novel is both terrifying and supernatural...
The quality of your answer is very high Toni however I suggest you spend more time proof-reading as it is riddled with grammatical errors which will have an impact on your final grade. That said, you focus very well on the themes and symbolism of the novel and your vocabulary and depth of analysis are good and improve as the piece goes one.
DeleteTargets:
1) Begin each paragraph with a a full answer to the question explaining HOW the evidence will create terror
2) Integrate further quotations into your explanation
At the start of the novel on page 74, "Lord Of The Flies" is not so terrifying:
ReplyDelete"Darkness dropped on the island like an extinguisher and soon the shelters were full of restlessness, under the remote stars".
Golding portrays that the boys are relaxed and are starting to settle amongst the shelters for some rest-if it is possible to in a forest. The simile "darkness dropped on the island like an extinguisher" symbolises a night light that is used in a normal urban society. Golding shows that the boys are clearly at home as they still have similiar routines. Also, "stars" are literally light, so provide some assistance for the boys that need it, and also suggest happiness. However, the idea of darkness falling suggests destruction. It foreshadows the end of the story implying that Golding utilized his words to be twisted in such opposites of opinion.
In the middle of the novel on page 194, "Lord Of The Flies" becomes quite frightening:
“He touched Ralph’s bare shoulder and Ralph shuddered at the human contact".
Golding shows that from innocent children who love the tender touch of others, soon develop in to inhumane boys who dislike affection. The word "shuddered" expresses this even more as it shows an action that can't wait to get rid of the touch of another human being. I believe what is most terrifying is the development of the boys from faultless boys in to savage martyrs who bristle at the slightest of discomfort. More so, through Ralph, Golding shows that an innate animalistic side is hidden within all ("You knew didn't you? I'm part of you?" Page 177). On the other hand, if this innate side is within all- can Ralph really be blamed for his actions? It is evidently pure instinct to "shudder" at others' touch so perhaps Golding's novel "Lord Of The Flies" is not so terrifying after all.
At the end of the novel on page 245, "Lord Of The Flies" is quite alarming:
"Ralph screamed, a scream of fright and anger and desperation".
Through the tripling of the three adjectives of "fright", "anger" and "desperation" the reader gets to really gather an idea of how Golding has implied Ralph to feel. The word "screamed" shows the desperation for Ralph needing to be heard, so he raises the volume in his voice. Also, the word "fright" implies cowardly behaviour yet, as Golding has shown previously, Ralph is not a coward ("Lying there in the darkness, he knew he was an outcast PAGE228")- furthermore, Ralph is not a coward due to his innate nature. However, Golding persists to show that though Ralph's will to be heard, he could be interpreted as quite childish. It is a case of Ralph having to have the last word; he is doing his role as chief. Therefore, to some extent "Lord Of The Flies" is not as terrifying as the reader may have originally thought.
“All of the boys on the island, except Piggy, Ralph, Simon, and the two tending the pig, were grouped on the turf.” The word “except” implies that the initial single community in the novel has progressed so much so that two separate societies now exist. This is utterly terrifying as it illustrates the idea that society (both ours and the boys’), is incredibly susceptible to manipulation and can easily fall apart. Therefore, William Golding uses the evolution of the boys’ society to make his novel all the more frightening as throughout the novel, the two communities become increasingly independent. For example, in the first chapter, the singular society is depicted as wanting a democracy (“Vote for chief!), whereas eight chapters later, the character Jack has his very own tribe. This could embody the theme of civilization and savagery as Ralph’s society and Jack’s tribe are based on those concepts respectively.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Golding applies the idea of evil to dwell within man so that ‘Lord of the Flies’ is almost harrowing. The Lord of the Flies, who is essentially the Beast, materializes as Simon hallucinates and says to him: “You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close!”. The phrase “I’m part of you” indicates that the Beast the boys fear is an innate characteristic that is harboured within all of the boys on the island, whereas its taunting of Simon presents the possibility that this characteristic is in fact that of evil and is “the darkness of man’s heart.” Ergo, it is not The Lord of the Flies itself that is terrifying, it is what he represents. What is more, the Lord of the Flies’s presence in many instances in the book is also fearsome: in chapter four, the Lord of the Flies emerges in Johnny’s character as he cruelly throws sand at Percival and in chapter nine, he transpires in not only one character, but the majority, as Jack and his hunters brutally slaughter Simon.
Lastly, and perhaps most significant of all, Golding employs the theme of innocence, or rather, the loss of it, to create an overall sense of horror in his novel. The structure of the novel plays a large role in displaying how innocence is slowly lost and eventually destroyed, as at the very beginning of the book, every boy is sketched to have an innocence about them, from Ralph’s guileless prophecies (“They’d tell him at the airport.”) to the cry and shyness of one of the 'littluns' in chapter two (“The small boy twisted further into himself.”), but in the penultimate paragraph of “Lord of the Flies”, the character Ralph is identified to be weeping for “for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.” The term “end” explicitly suggests that innocence is no longer present on the island and perhaps even in himself due to the devastating events, such as Piggy’s downfall and the cannibalistic hunt of Ralph, that have commenced.
"Lord of the Flies" is a terrifying novel. To what extent do you agree with this statement? What methods does Golding use to lead you to your view?
ReplyDeleteLord of the Flies is a terrifying novel as it shows the rapid pace at which society and all forms of structure can break down and turn to anarchy. “The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist” shows the reader that all order that remained on the island has been shattered and no longer plays a role in the functionality of the island or in its inhabitants. It also shows a stark contrast from the beginning of the novel where Golding lays out the characters as wanting and craving a sense of order and civilisation making it a priority to “have a vote” and act within the realms of democracy that they have been brought up in for many years of their life. However, the terrifying part of this is as Golding makes the reader feeling comfortable with the sense of democracy and order amongst the children, he removes it. The conch that resembled order is said to “no longer exist”, throwing away all hopes of humanity and forcing the reader to feel sympathy towards Ralph. Alternatively, the shattering may not have to represent the shattering of civilisation but rather breaking free from the harsh constraints of what civilisation brings to you. Although the idea of it may be comforting for some, Golding may be showing that a new island may be the start of a new way of life, and them shattering the symbol of order and government is the sign of them removing themselves from the old way of life and devoting themselves to a new future. However, this may appear terrifying to the audience and Golding forces the reader out of their comfort zone and writes the novel only from the point of view that traditional civilisation is the only way to survive and thrive with other people.
It may also be seen as terrifying due to the way Golding shows the lack of freedom the boys have towards the end of the novel. “Power lay in the brown swell of his forearms: authority sat on his shoulder and chattered in his ear like an ape” shows how all the power is held in the body of one being. This is a scary thought for most people to know that someone is in full control of the people around you and when they admit “They do what I want”. This goes against human nature as all we want to do is be in control of our future. However Golding traps the reader in a narrative that is controlled solely by a cold child and who’s idea of authority and order is compared to a chimp will force the audience to feel sympathy for Ralph, Piggy and the others that have no choice but to be influenced by this creature moulded from the greed and darkness in mankind’s heart.
Finally, Piggy’s death is a terrifying experience for the audience as it also shows the end of the way the world works as we know it. “The rock struck piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee”, crushing the string that ties the boys to their old lives and civilisation. Piggy, who was described as “wise” by Ralph, has always been the voice of reason and the adult. He resembles the worlds working idea of civilisation; it may not be perfect, however it works well and in theory is incredibly strong in terms of thoughts. However, Golding decides to use Jack and his tribe that’s broken away from society to destroy this ideal of society and shows how quick and powerful the savage way of life can destroy life as we know it, leaving only them. This sudden change will shock the audience causing fear and sympathy for Jack and especially piggy and everything he stood for. From this point onwards, as we see life get further and further away from Piggy’s ideal, the audience will put put in more and more distress, connecting them closer to the narrative.
}note{ as you can see, the further I got in the more I felt I was repeating myself so I think the quality decreased with it.
"Lord of the Flies" is a terrifying novel. To what extent do you agree with this statement? What methods does Golding use to lead you to your view?
ReplyDeleteLord of the Flies is a terrifying novel as it shows the rapid pace at which society and all forms of structure can break down and turn to anarchy. “The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist” shows the reader that all order that remained on the island has been shattered and no longer plays a role in the functionality of the island or in its inhabitants. It also shows a stark contrast from the beginning of the novel where Golding lays out the characters as wanting and craving a sense of order and civilisation making it a priority to “have a vote” and act within the realms of democracy that they have been brought up in for many years of their life. However, the terrifying part of this is as Golding makes the reader feeling comfortable with the sense of democracy and order amongst the children, he removes it. The conch that resembled order is said to “no longer exist”, throwing away all hopes of humanity and forcing the reader to feel sympathy towards Ralph. Alternatively, the shattering may not have to represent the shattering of civilisation but rather breaking free from the harsh constraints of what civilisation brings to you. Although the idea of it may be comforting for some, Golding may be showing that a new island may be the start of a new way of life, and them shattering the symbol of order and government is the sign of them removing themselves from the old way of life and devoting themselves to a new future. However, this may appear terrifying to the audience and Golding forces the reader out of their comfort zone and writes the novel only from the point of view that traditional civilisation is the only way to survive and thrive with other people.
It may also be seen as terrifying due to the way Golding shows the lack of freedom the boys have towards the end of the novel. “Power lay in the brown swell of his forearms: authority sat on his shoulder and chattered in his ear like an ape” shows how all the power is held in the body of one being. This is a scary thought for most people to know that someone is in full control of the people around you and when they admit “They do what I want”. This goes against human nature as all we want to do is be in control of our future. However Golding traps the reader in a narrative that is controlled solely by a cold child and who’s idea of authority and order is compared to a chimp will force the audience to feel sympathy for Ralph, Piggy and the others that have no choice but to be influenced by this creature moulded from the greed and darkness in mankind’s heart.
Finally, Piggy’s death is a terrifying experience for the audience as it also shows the end of the way the world works as we know it. “The rock struck piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee”, crushing the string that ties the boys to their old lives and civilisation. Piggy, who was described as “wise” by Ralph, has always been the voice of reason and the adult. He resembles the worlds working idea of civilisation; it may not be perfect, however it works well and in theory is incredibly strong in terms of thoughts. However, Golding decides to use Jack and his tribe that’s broken away from society to destroy this ideal of society and shows how quick and powerful the savage way of life can destroy life as we know it, leaving only them. This sudden change will shock the audience causing fear and sympathy for Jack and especially piggy and everything he stood for. From this point onwards, as we see life get further and further away from Piggy’s ideal, the audience will put put in more and more distress, connecting them closer to the narrative.
I personally believe that “Lord of the flies “is a terrifying novel. This is due to the fact that civilisation is slowly disappearing from within the characters and savagery easily takes over.
ReplyDeleteThis is shown throughout the novel as at the beginning the boys are innocent as they believe “Until the grownups come to fetch” them, they will “have fun”. This shows they are innocent and naïve as they don’t know what is waiting out there for them. Because they are kids they are unaware of all the responsibilities that fell upon them and they are just longing for rescue. As the story develops the boys lose their innocence and turn into cruel and careless hunters.
“There were no words and no movement but the tearing of teeth and claws.”
This quotation in chapter 9 shows how the boys changed and lost their innocence. They are no longer civilised but savage, no longer following rules. Demonstrating how an isolated area inhabited with the same people for an extended period of time, with no way of escaping them, can get the best of someone. Also the sociological impacts it can have on an individual and others causing people to act different from ones usual self showing that Lord of the Flies is a terrifying novel.
In addition, the conflict between civilisation and savagery can be considered to be terrifying to some readers. This is because it shows how rules and order which seems to work in societies do not on an isolated island. Despite the effort from Ralph who tried to enforce order by suggesting “…we ought to have a chief to decide things.” This demonstrates that ralph is a civilised character wanting to create a society with laws and morals. However, Jack represents the savagery as Goalding presents Jack as evil;
”Next time there will be no mercy.”
Jack realises that he has the evil in him which has been awakened by the first encounter with the pig (end of chapter1) . The fact that jack is sure there will be no mercy shows he wants to come across as a powerful and fearless character. Jack, strong-willed and ego-maniacal, soon becomes obsessed with hunting and as he becomes more and more savage he is able to manipulate the group leading to the killing of Simon (“There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.” Jacks tribe is a reflection of animal-savage behavior)
Lord of the flies is terrifying in the sense that it shows what we are behind the safety net we call civilization:
ReplyDelete“The blue-white scar was constant, the noise unendurable Simon was crying out something about a dead man on a hill. Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood! Do him in!”
This implies that due to the environment their thinking processes has changed and the way they attack problems differ now. As for instance instead of thinking about whether the thing coming out of the darkness was a beast they instead they went with their primal instincts which were to attack. Golding has used the actions of the characters to show how without the safety of civilization we behave as animals and only process one thought at a time which in this case was survival. The fact that “Simon was crying out” suggests that all the boys were subconsciously wrapped up in their own narcissistic desires whether it be: Survival, protection, or peace of mind – as a result they could not even do the simplest of things which was to just listen, listen to Simon's cries. In addition Golding presents lord implies that within us all there is an animal within us which inhibits those primal instincts which have been shown in the short time that the boys have made that transition from being: civilized ordered, choir boys to wild savages. However what will truly terrify the reader is the fact that it did not take entirely long for this transition to be made.
However I do not agree with the statement to the extent that, Lord of the Flies simply symbolizes the world we live in today:
“I ought to be chief said jack with a simple arrogance because I’m chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp”
This shows how Jack believes he is entitled to certain things regardless of whether its right or it suits the other boys. Golding has used jack to symbolize the stark reality of the human population. The way in which jack states he “ought to be chief” symbolizes the fact he believes himself that the role was meant for him. Golding has done this to emulate the selfless within people. Reason being why the reader may not find lord of the flies terrifying due to the fact that Golding is simply mirroring the society in which they live in. However the fact the Jack says it “with a simple arrogance” further indicates that he has no remorse or compassion which can be terrifying the sense that he has no thought for any actions he does or may do in the future. As the main people who tend to have no remorse or compassion are those such as psychotic murderers who feel nothing even if they have committed a terrible crime. Therefore showing however there is a terrifying sense to Lord of the flies’ novel.
On the other hand the novel is terrifying in the way the setting is described as an enemy rather than Mother Nature:
ReplyDelete“A tree exploded in the fire like a bomb
This implies that Mother Nature is no longer that caring mother figure which normally looked after its inhabitants which is us people. Mother Nature has turned against us. The fact that Golding has described the explosion of the tree “like a bomb” indicates that Mother Nature indeed was trying to hurt or destroy the boys. As the sole purpose of a bomb is destruction, destruction of whatever lays in its path. The reason why the reader may deem this terrifying is due to the way the human beings treat the environment due to factors such as global warming and the extinction of animals. Golding’s use of the simile “like a bomb” further solidifies the idea that Mother Nature is getting its revenge, physically by destroying the landscape but also mentally by turning the boys into savages. The aspect of this which may ultimately terrify the reader is the similarities it has with real life for example tsunamis which tear apart communities and causes to people to do things which is best for them and do anything in order for them to survive oblivious to the consequences that maybe. However it may not be the case of Mother Nature turning its back but more a threat of what could be if it is continually treated that way. Which in itself the reader may not find terrifying but a reality check.
The novel “Lord Of The Flies” is terrifying for a simple reason. Golding makes us question the stability of our way of life and deep down questions us, what is at the soul core of a human being? What frightens the children manifests itself in many forms throughout the book; leading to an ultimate conclusion of Golding’s theme.
ReplyDeleteAt the start of the novel the terror is linked to the unknown.
“Darkness poured out, submerging the ways between the trees till they were dim and strange as the bottom of the sea.”
Golding combines the sea and the island to create a powerful quote showing the reader the extent of the unknown. “Darkness” itself obscures things leading to the obvious unknown. This would terrify the children as most children at their age have deep fear of the dark. Which again Golding leads us to believe is linked to the fear of the unknown. “Bottom of the sea” is a very strange place. Even the modern world does not know much about the depths making it another instant connotation for the unknown. The word “poured” also gives it a very liquid like motion suggesting the inevitable flow of darkness, haunting the children. To this extent Golding makes the book scary.
Further into the novel, their fear shifts into something more physical and real; the beast.
“At last Simon gave up and looked back; saw the white teeth and the dim eyes, the blood-and his gaze was held by that ancient, inescapable recognition”
What this quote shows is that the beast is however just another primal fear. It starts of “the beast” but through gossip and tales it changes into a more dangerous monster. With powers such as blending into the “creepers”. Golding’s use of a hyphen “blood- and” sows that Simon is trying not to think about the beats at hand. This clearly shows to use he is frightened of it. “White teeth and the dim eyes” is definitely frightening as it shows Simon has finally confronted the beast. Golding uses this imagery to frighten the reader. However, some people may interpret it differently. “White teeth and the dim eyes” could be anyone; Showing that the beast is not real but in fact a figure of our imagination. “Ancient, inescapable” suggests to the reader that Simon has encountered this beats before; linking to Golding’s theme and my next paragraph.
The novel lord of the flies is scary because it shows that everyone deep down is a savage.
“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.”
This quote clearly shows the moment of realisation for Ralph. Throughout the whole novel Golding has been hinting at the theme that man is innately savage. While others have been corrupted and tainted by the savageness, Ralph and Simon are the only to fully realise this true horror. “The darkness of man’s heart” this is a final statement by Golding showing his views. A child such as Ralph realising this huge point is already very frightening. However “the end of innocence” could represent, to most readers, the loss of the boy’s innocence by committing all their evil acts. However, it could suggest that the world itself has lost its innocence. Now that Ralph has that vital knowledge; the world to him and all the people in it are not as they were when he arrived on the island. In a way, to Ralph the whole world has been flipped upside down. This is why the Lord Of The Flies” is terrifying.
"Lord of the Flies" is a terrifying novel. To what extent do you agree with this statement? What methods does Golding use to lead you to your view?
ReplyDeleteGolding’s portrayal of the “beasty” serves as deep symbolism for man’s inherent evil and is what ultimately makes the novel terrifying:
“Maybe …there is a beast…What I mean is… maybe it's only us.”
This implies that the beast may not be something physical but rather an illusion that the children have blindly fallen into. Golding uses Simon’s awakening as symbolism for the flaw of civilisation; Savagery exists in all of us, naturally and so in essence Simon’s character acts, metaphorically, as the realisation that we as human beings are responsible for all evil doings and that those transgressions and wrongdoings cannot be blamed on an external force like “the beast”. Golding’s use of repetition also serves to present this realisation; Simon repeats the word “maybe” and so unlike the other kids instead of combating the “beast” he is rather trying to understand how it has manifested itself onto the children. On the other hand, the phrase “what I mean is...” suggests, to the reader, that Simon cannot explain his idea to the group. This foreshadows his death, in which he gets killed while on his way to present his discovery. Golding, therefore, uses Simon to symbolise that mankind is effectively its own devolution. While we may blame external forces it is conclusively our nature that over-powers the rules which we have put in place to create an environment that is civilised.
Golding’s introduction to the beast, in the beginning of the book, also makes the novel terrifying:
“He says the beasty came in the dark”
This presents “the beasty” as a typical children’s monster; much like your conventional monster, the children’s monster comes out from the forest “in the dark”. However Golding uses “the dark” as a metaphor for the concealment that the savage surrounding provides. The “dark” acts as a cloak for “the beasty” which in turn means the kids fear something they do not fully understand. This ultimately allows “the beasty” to grow inside of every kid, in essence making the hunter become the hunted. The quote can also be interpreted, by the reader, as Golding’s way of reminding people that the characters are still kids. Similarly to how children may see a person stepping out of mud after falling over and calling it the “swamp monster” the kids quickly give the thing the identity of a beast before it is understood. Golding comments on civilisation with this juvenile approach to the situation. Civilisation is so brittle that it can be destroyed by a idea that may not be damaging but becomes so because of the constraint to address it.
Golding’s description of the environment also serves to make the novel terrifying:
“A tree exploded in the fire like a bomb”
This implication that something very natural like “a tree” suddenly “exploded” presents the harsh reality of the situation. In one sense this explores civilisation to be something we, merely, think to be natural and to the reader the “tree” being a “bomb portrays a sort of self-destruction which all civilisations end with. In another sense, Golding may be commenting on the ignorance of what nature really is. When we think of Mother Nature we think of tranquillity and ignore the savage and primitive backbone of that environment. In essence, “the tree” acts as a metaphor that our idea of what is natural is false and what nature really is, is a “bomb”. It itself is destructive because it’s normal and so can only ever be suppressed .
"Lord of the Flies" is a terrifying novel. To what extent do you agree with this statement? What methods does Golding use to lead you to your view?
ReplyDeleteAlthough the novel does not come across as terrifying in the beginning, it does progress to fit that description. In the beginning, the novel is not even remotely terrifying:
"In the middle of the scar he stood on his head and grinned at the reversed fat boy."
The fact Ralph and Piggy are casually standing among the wreckage suggests that they are completely oblivious to it and treat it as irrelevant. Golding uses imagery to highlight just how light hearted and non-terrifying the scene is as the Ralph, although "in the middle" of the plane wreck, he is doing head stands. Ralph's frivolous behaviour gives a sense of freedom and a total disregard to the boundaries of the society he came from. Golding's use of "fat boy" is a very juvenile way to describe Piggy which then extenuates the fun, happy and free atmosphere.
However, Golding gradually makes the novel more and more sinister:
"Tormented by the silence..."
The word "tormented" holds extremely tight connotations of evil and darkness which immediately lowers the tone of the novel. Then, Golding's use of personification of the "silence" itself causing an immense uncomfortable environment between the boys makes the reader feel the dense, threatening, hostility. The "silence" is an almost living embodiment of savagery creeping in and taking over, scaring the boys along the way.
Lastly, Golding uses mystery to further the sinister feeling:
"..there was confusion in the darkness and the creature lifted its head, holding towards them the ruin of a face."
Golding uses the contrast from light and happy at the beginning of the novel to darkness nearer to the end as savagery takes over the once very civilized island. Due to its reference as "the creature" leaves the reader wanting to know exactly what this so called "creature" actually is. Also, even in the darkness the beast's face was identified as being a "ruin" suggesting that the face was extremely deformed. The lack of description leaves a cliff-hanger for the reader causing tension and suspense.
"Lord of the flies is a terrifying novel" - I agree with this statement to a certain extent.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement with regards to the constant savagery presented throughout the novel:
"Kill the pig. Cut his throat. Spill his blood"
This dramatic, dark quote represents the boys' desire to kill. The repetition and emphasis on the want to kill is deeply terrifying to the reader. Golding initially introduced the group of boys to the reader as optimistic, innocent young children. They have had to adapt to such a different, diverse environment, that the reader assumed change would be needed for them to survive. To see such a harsh change in them comes as a shock, yet we see that Golding is presenting the natural savage in us. For these boys to willingly "kill" and their now desire to "spill blood" is so quick, that it proves that there is a natural savagery in all of us, but it takes something to provoke it out of us. This is reflective to society generally, which is a terrifying aspect of the novel.
Savagery and terror is still present as the novel progresses. Piggy represents civilisation and order consistently throughout. He is the only boy who kept wise and adapted accordingly to his habitat, without any drastic changes. Yet, he represented savagery, as the death of him was the death of civilisation:
"Ralph-remember what we came for. The fire. My specs."
This shows that throughout any situation, calm or confrontational, Piggy will always be there as the voice of reason. The use of the word "remember" tells the reader that Golding wants us to see that Piggy is the boys' conscience. He is their constant reminder of what is right, and reminds them of themselves. Yet, as Piggy has to say Ralph's name it is as though he needs to try harder to appeal to the boys. As disorder is becoming stronger, Piggy has to try harder to get through to them. It also shows that Piggy's grip on his on own sanity seems to be loosening. The use of the dash shows the pause in his train of thought, suggesting he needs to re-collect himself and how to advise Ralph appropriately. This supports my previous point that Golding wants the reader to see that savagery is present in us all, and this is terrifying. Piggy, the only voice of reason and link back to civilisation is starting to crumble.
As the boys' behaviour is really the only thing terrifying to me as the reader, I can only agree with the statement to a certain extent as there is a slight justified reason as to why they behave increasingly more savage as the book progresses. As the reader, we can understand that to survive in such a different environment can be challenging:
"We've got to decide about being rescued."
"We'll get food. Hunt. Catch things... until they fetch us."
Both of these quotes tell the reader that the boys have consciously adapted to their habitat in a savage, animalistic way as they need to do this to survive. This isn't terrifying at all as the reader can sympathise with these young boys who haven't experienced such things before. Golding wanted us to see that they had to adapt to their savage habitat in this way, or they simply couldn't survive. Golding's use the the ellipsis shows their thought process that they are very aware of themselves and their new environment. They are dealing with something beyond their years, which isn't terrifying or scary. They are in an unfortunate situation, and the reader sympathises.
The Lord of the Flies is a terrifying novel, simply because it questions the unquestionable. Forces any reader into a unusual place where you dive deep into yourself and your own reflection may frighten you.
ReplyDeleteAlthough in the beginning of the novel it may not be "terrifying" as such it foreshadows the formidable journey the boys are on. From the very first chapter Golding presents the boys in the novel as naive and innocent; young children who are blissfully unaware of the environment they're in:
"Sche-aa-ow"
The language they're using is common amongst young boys pretending to be airplanes especially during war periods, boys looked upto their fathers as heroes, the one to save the world and wanting to be in their shoes. Contrastingly "sche-aa-ow" also foreshadows what is to come in the novel; the lost of civilisation and the birth of savagery begins from the very start which is extremely terrifying as us as humans being to lose the very "foundations" we have based our lives on.
Moreover Golding uses a simple chant which is repeated throughout the novel to build upon the sinister atmosphere he has created:
"Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood! Do him in!''
The sharpness of this chant creates such a gripping fear it is unbearable simply because "littluns" boys no older than 6 are chanting this with such joy is terrifying. In the modern day for a child to repeat this would worry any "sane" human being, they'd be afraid about their mental health and stability. Nonetheless this chant represents the end of civilisation and the victory of savagery. Once again hitting the reader with such immense fear as they see what they have based their life of the society the live in so easily destroyed by young children who haven't even reached "maturity" yet implying how easy it would be for adults. Golding uses the symbolises a reverse in the way time moves on; in the wilderness the rules of society which we conform to no longer matter; the freeness and wilderness allow our indigineous primitive roots to surface again and allow us to be the free humans we should be and are entitled to be. Golding foreshadows a possible rebellion and uprising starting from te young leading example to the adults similarily to the rat race in the USA in the 1960s which created a ghastly infection of fear amongst the "adults" as their children rebelled and did not want to be prim and proper like them.
Moreover all the words used in the chant are extremely violent, Golding painted a firghtful image upon the blank canvas which we viewed as innocence. The young boys repeating the words "kill" "cut his throat" "do him in" shows no remorse no mercy just a vicious barabric act; a complete different extreme from the calmness of a civil society.The thirst to enflict pain on a creature and take joy in it, makes the Lord of the Flies an almighty spine-chilling novel.
Further on into the novel in the middle the talk of the "beasty" creates a harrowing blanket over the story.
"Maybe …there is a beast…What I mean is… maybe it's only us"
The term "beast" alone is something every child can relate to growing up fearing the monster in your closet or the boogie man under your bed. The deep symbolisation of the beast simply created by Golding is that although it may not be tangible the simple fragments of our imagination create something much more scarier. Nonetheless Golding's symbolisation that the beast may be "apart of us" something that is inherently evil and inate; we all are capable of growing into something evil and destructive that tampers with your mind and breaks apart society is extremely terrifying making Lord of the Flies the terrifying novel it is as it causes every reader to question whether they are good or evil? When the beast in them will be born? When savagery may swallow them whole.
Golding uses mystery to further the sinister feeling in the reader:
ReplyDelete"..there was confusion in the darkness and the creature lifted its head, holding towards them the ruin of a face."
Golding's use of contrasting imagery from the beginning of the novel to the now sadistic description of the environment going from "light and their green feathers" emphasis an uneven and tense feel which builds up towards the end of the novel. Its symbolic reference to "confusion" representing man's inability to find sense without order being imposed upon them leaving the reader feeling in awe at how innocent Golding presents the kids to be and then to see their inexperience making them vulnerable to their first assurance of survival being a representative of anarchy amounting to the intensity of what in the end happens to what Golding represents as the society.Also, beast's face was identified as being a "ruin" suggesting that the face was extremely deformed. The lack of description leaves a cliff-hanger for the reader causing tension and suspense that acts upon the already fleeted mystery of who this "creature" is.
The fear of savagery as firstly introduced by Golding as being the threat is shifted into a more relatable subject for man; a beast.
“Maybe there is a beast… maybe it's only us.”
Although the quotation suggests a possibility of a physical threat on the island Golding goes further into this reference of beast showing that there is an uncertainty of the existence of this “beast”, not completely but a hesitation in it being less of a physical form but more within them. “Only us” suggests that the existence of a beast is symbolic of man’s suppressed vulnerability and this almost fanatical threat that they believe to face. It is a subconscious of how easily man feels threatened, not by a physicality but by the threat they impose upon themselves in a constant battle to keep their concealed savage within him, or it can also be interpreted as more than savagery but this “beast” being their hold on to sanity but then again sanity can be linked to civilisation and order. Golding’s revelation creates a travesty in the reader and how terrifying it is to have a suppressed insanity within us that could take over out better judgement. This outlook on the beast links with man’s embryonic savagery – in the end it all falls down to how civil we really are.
*Continuation
*continuation
ReplyDeleteFinally in relation to the beast, Golding creates a terrifying novel to the extent that it creates awareness towards man’s suppressed ‘evil savagery’ but also our lost innocence as concluded by Golding in the last chapter;
“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy”
It is a clear implication that this innocence that the characters start off with is lost as it shows to “end” along with the civilisation that they tried to hold on to, both connections to humanity are finished with how man first started off; as a savage, creating an arguable conclusion in the reader –in the end the survivor is the savage, the one unaware of morality and scruples and survives due to this. This is an interpretation that could allegedly be concluded by the reader as Golding shows to amount evidence towards this throughout the novel creating a terrifying ending question man’s supposed civilisation. The thought of an “end” implies a stop to humanities good and the way Golding, at first, presents the world to be; a civil fair society as symbolised through Piggy. The “true, wise friend” as explained by Golding is a representation of an almost invisible law that lies on the black edge between civilisation and savagery that could be interpreted in 2 ways, one taking you swiftly through a democratic civilisation or another that expands on savagery and helps overt further man’s savagery. “True” lies on a just choice being taken in order to avert from being animals and rely on what man has built; a law that goes by justice and democracy unlike how “wise” can be interpreted; It implies that there is knowledge but not necessarily to do what’s right but is erudite about what needs to be done to survive and knows enough to create a choice that benefits oneself, and so creating an ironic description of civilisation. Golding shows there is not much separating civilisation from being savagery than a comma, the comma being indicate of how far man can suppress his urge to turn to how it first started – as a savage.
Again, Golding’s listing of what Ralph seemed to have wept for emphasis the novel’s intention of pointing out the terrifying reality that the truth of “darkness of man’s heart” is overwhelming for the reader, realising the evil that lies within us.
(I'm sorry it it's not so good, I'm tired)