Write an analysis of the opening chapter of Lord of the Flies. How effective is it at introducing characters, themes and language of the novel?
The opening chapter of “Lord of the Flies” is important and effective because straightaway it tells us the major theme of the book and shows us who the main characters are. The theme of the book is to show people what man is really like and that every single person is born with some sort of evil inside them. To show us this theme, Golding uses a variety of ideas, for example: civilization vs. savagery, humanity vs. animality, adults vs. children etc. Hinting what the book will be about also entices the reader to read further into the book and gives a better understanding of the story.
In the first chapter, Golding introduces the main characters, who are Ralph, Piggy, Jack and Simon. Ralph is the athletic and charismatic character in Lord of the Flies, being elected leader by the rest of the boys, Ralph represents order, civilization and leadership. While most of the boys are only thinking about having fun and playing, Ralph immediately tries to solve the major problems they will face when on the island e.g. how they will be rescued, shelter, food etc. Jack is the strong-willed, savage character in the novel and represents the instinct of savagery, violence and desire for power, which is completely the opposite of Ralph. The first time he encounters a pig, he is unable to kill it, but Jack soon becomes obsessed with hunting and devotes himself to the task, painting his face like a barbarian and giving himself over to bloodlust. The more savage Jack becomes, the more he is able to control the rest of the group and Golding uses this to show mankind’s true colours.
