How does William Golding use language in his description of the island and the coming storm to reflect the tragic events in Chapter 9

Authors Avatar

How does William Golding use language in his description of the island and

the coming storm to reflect the tragic events in Chapter 9

Chapter 9 is a major turning point for the boys on the island, when events

happen that show the boys what they have really become.  There is no

turning back from the actions taken and the boys are left considering their

fate.  Although books are usually  created in a way to prevent you from

correctly guessing the future of the storyline, Golding uses Chapter 8 to

prepare us for the next development of the story and set the scene with a

foreboding atmosphere.  He gives certain clues and references to brace

ourselves for the next chapter “A View to a Death”. The sense of anxiety is

built up as we learn of the storm, and we begin to apprehend the boys' next

move, and the results of their actions.  We already know that the boys  have

discussed “the beast” - some are even convinced they have seen it. So how

will they react to the bad weather conditions and poor sight due to the rain?  

In Chapter 8 when Simon is alone, Golding pictures butterflies dancing.  In

general butterflies are linked with freedom and elegance, however here they

are described as “in the middle of their unending dance” perhaps hinting that

all creatures on the island are trapped in a perpetual circle unable to release

themselves, leading the reader to assume that the boys are also trapped and

will most likely soon tire from their own endless dance.  The quote “the

arrow of sun fell on him” also depicts the sense that everything is against him

and that he is again trapped, even by the suns rays.  The idea of these

threatening rays in a downward motion could also reflect the feeling of

negativity within Simon and on the island.

Soon after Jack has cut the sow's throat, the butterflies are again mentioned

dancing “... preoccupied in the centre of the clearing”, so even whilst this

barbaric attack on an innocent animal has taken place, these almost angelic

butterflies are still close by immersed in their dance.  This detail reflects the

fact that whilst they are on the island the boys can do what they want and no

one will take any notice.  Such things as the slaughtering of animals and

anything else they choose to do  is accepted because other than themselves

there is no one else there to tell them right from wrong.

After the sow's head has been left as a gift for the beast there is a shift in

tone.  What were once clouds were now “ ...bulging towers that sprouted

over the island, grey, and cream, and copper-coloured”;  already just from

knowing the colour change of the clouds you predict the violent storm

heading for the island.  The repeat of the “and” creates the image of

countless clouds, as if the island is being covered with them, trapping the

boys in.  At this point “even the butterflies deserted the open space” so why

is it now that the butterflies decide to move? Golding is using the collapse of

security from the butterflies to represent the dramatic change of setting.  

Because the butterflies, that the reader assumes are always there, are now

moving it gives a sense that something is most definitely wrong and out of the

ordinary.  The butterflies had no intention of moving away from the scene of

murder with the pig; however, when the weather begins to change, they

“desert” the place as if they want to get out as soon as possible.  Then “high

up among the bulging clouds thunder went off like a gun”, this simile

produces the image of a battle beginning to start.  Golding has used it to

create the sense that the fight for the boys' own lives has just begun, which

reflects what later happens in Chapter 9.  

Chapter 9 begins with a paragraph describing the situation of the island.  We

learn that the rising heat throughout the day and gas revolving in the air

“...was ready to explode”.  The wind is described as “cuffing the forest

Join now!

heads till they ducked and roared”; this personification of the forest creates a

very violent image, because to create a roaring forest it needs an incredibly

powerful wind.  The storm is definitely intensifying.  From Chapter 8 we

could already feel the tension build up and now it was being confirmed, the

matter now was just when it was going to “explode”.  The anticipation is

continually increased, destined for a climax, Golding has made such a build

up of the storm that the reader is sure the storm will result in a major event.   ...

This is a preview of the whole essay