Lord of the Flies: Children’s Survival and Descent into Savagery
Lord of the Flies: A Study of Childhood Survival
A group of children, aged between 6 and 12, survive a plane crash and find themselves on a lush, deserted island. Scared and alone, they must learn to survive in this unfamiliar and potentially dangerous environment.
Ralph and Jack, being among the oldest, emerge as potential leaders. The children decide that Ralph should be the leader, but a rivalry quickly develops between him and Jack.
Piggy serves as the voice of reason, often pointing out when the others are wrong. However, he is ridiculed and ostracized, with only Ralph offering him any support.
The children’s behavior deteriorates, with the older boys bullying and mistreating the younger ones. They engage in cruel acts, highlighting a growing divide within the group. Jack and his followers become the “hunters,” focused on immediate gratification, while Ralph and his supporters prioritize rescue.
Themes of Fear and Worship
The children begin to worship a mythical “Lord of the Flies,” represented by a pig’s head in a cave. They offer sacrifices to appease this imagined deity, reflecting their descent into savagery and their need for a supernatural figure to guide them.
Marginalization and the Loss of Innocence
Piggy’s character embodies the theme of marginalization. He is constantly ridiculed for his appearance and intellect, highlighting the cruelty and prejudice within the group. He suffers greatly, preferring isolation to further humiliation.
Friendship and Communication
The conch shell symbolizes order and communication. It is used to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak during assemblies, fostering a sense of community and shared decision-making. However, as the children descend into savagery, the conch’s authority diminishes.
Key Quotes
- “We have a home, a home away from home.”
- “The largest are a society that corrupts man.”
- “We did things as if they had done for adults, why not give us a result?”
- “I do not know if the man is good or bad.”
- “The biggest say, are men of truth.”
- “We ought to punish people that care is delayed for the stake.”
- “No parents, no teachers, no academy, no girls…”
- “We’ll give you a beating.”
- “Shut up, fat boy!”
Conclusion
Lord of the Flies depicts the survival of children in a unique and disturbing way. Unlike typical desert island stories, this film offers a more realistic portrayal of how children might behave without adult supervision. The descent into savagery and the loss of innocence are central themes, highlighting the potential for darkness within human nature. The absence of female characters is notable, perhaps suggesting that the director wanted to avoid the complexities of romantic relationships and focus solely on the dynamics of power and survival among boys.