LORD OF THE FLIES

The well-known plot of boys lost on an island has not been deemed an original idea because of the many adaptations of it that have been written and published. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, however, does not fall under the category of another children’s adventure story. Considered one of the Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century, Lord of the Flies is built on complex themes of human brutality, structure of society, tyranny versus democracy, and many others. Golding has a pessimistic view toward mankind and human nature, which has made the book controversial for many. There are innumerable critics who have written about the novel, two in particular, Bernard F. Dick and Kathleen Woodward. World War II played a large role in influencing the novel, as did William Golding’s life.
When the book was published in 1954, it was an instant bestseller in England and then rapidly gained popularity in America. Due to its widespread success, translations were made throughout Europe, Russia, and Asia. Soon it became “one of the most familiar and studied tales of the century” (Baker, James R. 1). Over time, however, two general opinions have formed in response to the novel. Some critics and readers felt that it was insightful on the past and predicted the future in the hands of mankind. Others regarded William Golding’s observations on human nature as pessimistic and antiquated.
Bernard F. Dick was one such critic that compared Golding’s works with Greek tragedies. While Dick agreed with many of Golding’s thoughts on human nature, Dick also made many arguments against Golding’s opinions. While he discussed Lord of the Flies, Dick made constant arguments for or against Golding’s themes. Bernard F. Dick argues that the “suppression of the Dionysian”, or “brute” side of man causes the societal breakdown in Lord of the Flies. Dick agrees with Golding that “evil is indigenous to the species” (Dick 15).
Another critic is Kathleen Woodard, who also comments on Golding’s underlying themes in the novel. While Dick argued that the “suppression of the beast within leads to its eruption” (Dick 13), Woodward argues that the indulgence of it does. In her article, “The Case for Strict Law and Order,” Woodward argues that Lord of the Flies presents a convincing argument for the “imposition of strict law and order to suppress violent behavior” (Woodward 93).
The question of human nature has been debated for centuries, and through the development of the novel, readers discover Golding’s opinion of mankind. The ending of the novel appears to be predictable, which may imply our own acceptance of original sin. By observing the interaction between Ralph, Jack, and Piggy, readers see the struggle for power develops because of the boy’s fear of being weak. Survival of the fittest is what drives the boys to becoming savage and murderous, because they fear of becoming the underdog. Golding’s observation of original sin is not as off base as some critics perceive, because the themes in Golding’s novel were apparent in the world around him after WWII, and have been common themes in novels and stories for ages.