Comparing the similarity in themes in Alex Garland's 'The Beach' and William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.
Comparing the similarity in themes in Alex Garland's 'The Beach' and William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'. There are a number of themes which are common to The Beach by Alex Garland and Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Four of these themes will be reviewed in this essay by comparing the characters and the events which occur. The themes are, first, isolation, which is developed in both books relatively near the beginning of each. Secondly, the fact that things are not as they seem, for example, "The vicious morning sun," and, "the desire to squeeze and hurt was over-mastering," from The Beach and Lord of the Flies respectively. Thirdly, in both novels insanity is a significant aspect, with particular reference to two of the key characters, Richard in The Beach and Simon from Lord of the Flies. Lastly, the way relationships of the characters develop is explored as the final theme. An important concern for the authors is isolation. In The Beach and Lord of the Flies, Richard and Simon's portrayal follows similar lines. When travelling by himself, Richard soon joins up with two other travellers and they arrive at the beach together. Soon, however, Richard becomes more of an 'outsider' when he faints on arrival at the beach, and feels isolated when he sees his travelling companions have bonded with other members of the community whilst he has been asleep, Something made me