Why Do You Think Golding Chose To Set " Lord Of The Flies" On An Island, And How Does He Use The Island In The Novel

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Why Do You Think Golding Chose To Set “ Lord Of The Flies” On An Island, And How Does He Use The Island In The Novel?

Lord of the Flies was written by William Golding in 1954. The book describes the horrific exploits of a group of young children who make a transition from civilized to barbaric.  It’s basic plot is to show that man is inherently tied to society, and without it, we would likely return to savagery.

         Golding uses the island as a microcosm for the real world, along with all the problems and realities faced in the world.  He deliberately picked an island to be the landing place of the stranded boys because an island is isolated from the rest of society. The boys have no contact with the outside world and must look to themselves to solve the problems of their own micro-society. So the island, which symbolizes isolation, serves as a perfect environment for the imperfection of human nature to eventually surface.  Golding also uses the environment of the island, such as the wildlife and foliage to emphasise certain points that he wants to make.

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        Also, throughout the novel, Golding uses pathetic fallacy, mimicking the mood of the boys, and the overall tension between them.  For example, when Simon is murdered, at the end of chapter nine, Golding uses very descriptive words and phrases, and makes the island seem beautiful and tranquil.  “Somewhere over the darkened curve of the…Simon’s dead body moved out toward the open sea.”  This contrast is to emphasise the difference between the goodness and evil lurking inside all human beings.  Also the contrast between life and death emphasises this fact.

        Also, by being set on an island, Golding has an opportunity ...

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