Lord of the Flies - Reading Log
Element of Literature / Focus: Literary Word Choice
Your explanation, analysis, summary, etc. from the story: The author's word choices contribute significantly to the tone and meaning of the novel. William Golding employs a mix of brutal and vivid imagery to portray the descent into savagery and chaos. The juxtaposition of idyllic descriptions of the island with the violent actions of the boys highlights the theme of inherent human evil and the fragility of civilization.
Textual Evidence: Golding describes the island with phrases like "the shore was fledged with palm trees" to create an initial sense of paradise. In contrast, when savagery ensues, the language becomes darker with descriptions such as "the hunters were on all fours, like animals."
Citation: Chapter 1, Chapter 9
Element of Literature / Focus: Character Development #1
Your explanation, analysis, summary, etc. from the story: Ralph emerges as a natural leader who values order and civilization. I admire his initial confidence and charisma, as he tries to establish rules and maintain a sense of community. Golding uses both direct characterization (like Ralph’s election as chief) and indirect characterization (through his interactions with others and his reactions during crises) to reveal his growth and struggles. Ralph's inner conflict, particularly his realization of the boys' descent into savagery, makes him a relatable character.
Textual Evidence: He states, "We’ve got to have rules and obey them," showing his understanding of the need for structure.
Citation: Chapter 2
Element of Literature / Focus: Character Development #2
Your explanation, analysis, summary, etc. from the story: Jack represents the primal instinct within humanity and embodies the theme of savagery versus civilization. I find his transformation fascinating, as he shifts from a choirboy to a ruthless leader. Golding reveals Jack's character through indirect means; his obsession with hunting and his growing disregard for rules demonstrate his descent into savagery. This makes him an intriguing antagonist to Ralph's leadership.
Textual Evidence: Jack declares, “I am not going to play any longer. Not with you.” This signifies his departure from civilized behavior and inclination towards chaos.
Citation: Chapter 8
Element of Literature / Focus: Setting
Your explanation, analysis, summary, etc. from the story: The setting of the deserted island is pivotal in shaping the characters’ actions and behaviors. Initially, the island is depicted as a beautiful paradise, which impacts the boys' mood, leading them to feel free and excited. As the story progresses, the setting darkens and mirrors the boys' descent into savagery, affecting their interactions and decisions. The island itself becomes a character in the story, influencing the boys' transformation.
Textual Evidence: The contrast in descriptions of the forest becomes evident when it shifts from a “great platform of rock” to “creepers” and “thorns” after the boys’ descent into chaos.
Citation: Chapter 1, Chapter 7
Element of Literature / Focus: Plot - Exposition & Rising Action
Your explanation, analysis, summary, etc. from the story: In the exposition, we learn about the boys’ plane crash and the challenges they face on a deserted island. The introduction of Ralph, Piggy, and Jack sets up the potential for conflict, especially as differing leadership styles emerge. The rising action begins when the boys form factions, with Ralph emphasizing order and Jack focusing on hunting. Tensions begin to rise with the boys' increasing fear of the "beast" which symbolizes their inner fears.
Textual Evidence: The initial gathering and formation of rules signal Ralph’s struggle against Jack’s impulse for chaos, particularly highlighted when Jack and his hunters abandon Ralph’s focus on rescue.
Citation: Chapters 1-5
Element of Literature / Focus: Plot - Climax
Your explanation, analysis, summary, etc. from the story: The climax occurs during the hunt for Ralph when they finally become completely savage, illustrating a profound turning point when civilization collapses. The moment Simon is brutally killed by the boys in a frenzied ritual represents the loss of innocence and the complete embrace of savagery. Questions surrounding morality and the nature of humanity come to the forefront.
Textual Evidence: “The beast was that which we will not see.” This line encapsulates the inner darkness within the boys, personifying their loss of innocence and moral decay.
Citation: Chapter 9
Element of Literature / Focus: Plot - Falling Action & Resolution
Your explanation, analysis, summary, etc. from the story: The falling action begins after Ralph flees from the hunters, signaling the complete breakdown of order. The tension decreases as the boys realize the chaos they’ve created, leading to a moment of clarity. The resolution occurs when the naval officer arrives, highlighting the contrast between the boys’ savagery and the civilized world. I find the ending bittersweet; it reveals how far the boys have fallen and what they’ve lost. The civilizing force of the officer brings a stark reality to their chaotic experience.
Textual Evidence: The officer's astonished remark, “What have you been doing? Having a war?” underscores the absurdity of the situation and the loss of innocence among the boys.
Citation: Chapter 12
Element of Literature / Focus: Theme
Your explanation, analysis, summary, etc. from the story: Throughout "Lord of the Flies," the central theme revolves around the inherent evil present within humanity and the thin veneer of civilization that keeps it in check. Characters like Ralph and Piggy learn the importance of teamwork and moral responsibility, while Jack exemplifies the allure of power and chaos. The changes in the characters represent the struggle between civility and savagery. One takeaway from the novel is the notion that societal structures are fragile, and without them, humanity can revert to primal instincts.
Textual Evidence: “The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments,” symbolizes the complete destruction of order and the triumph of chaos over civilization.
Citation: Chapter 10
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