William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” is a classic novel that has captivated readers since its publication in 1954. This story, set on a deserted tropical island, follows a group of young British boys as they attempt to establish a society without the constraints of civilization. But what is disturbing in Lord of the Flies?
To begin with, the boys’ attempts at self-governance quickly devolve into disturbing scenes of violence and chaos. One of the most disturbing events in the novel is the killing of the sow, which is another name for a female pig. The vivid illustrations of the pig’s demise, including Jack plunging his knife into the sow, serve as a potent reminder of the boys’ decline into savagery. In this article, we will explore what makes this scene, and the novel as a whole, disturbing to some readers.
What is disturbing in Lord of the Flies? (Answered)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel that depicts the dark side of human nature and the dangers of mob mentality. The story, set on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean, follows a group of young boys as they attempt to create a society without the constraints of civilization. But what is disturbing in Lord of the Flies?
As the novel progresses, the boys’ attempts at self-governance quickly devolve into disturbing scenes of violence and chaos. This devolution is epitomized in Chapter 8 by the killing of the sow, which is another name for a female pig, by the tribe of boys. The descriptive images of the pig’s death are particularly disturbing, as the boys, led by Jack, are depicted as stabbing the sow with their knives. This scene is not only disturbing because of the violence and bloodshed but also because it represents the boys’ descent into savagery and the loss of their humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of mob mentality and the ease with which people can be swept up in the chaos of group behavior.
This scene is not the only disturbing aspect of Lord of the Flies. Throughout the novel, the boys’ behavior becomes increasingly violent and cruel as they struggle to maintain order and assert dominance over one another. These violent acts culminate in Ralph pushing a boulder down the hill to kill Piggy. The gradual erosion of the boys’ morality and their descent into chaos is a haunting reminder of the fragility of civilization and the potential for violence that lies within us all.
The use of children as the main characters in the novel only adds to the disturbing nature of the story. The innocence and vulnerability of the boys, combined with the harsh and violent events that occur, make the novel all the more impactful and thought-provoking.
What bad things happened in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, several bad things happened. At first, the boys struggle to establish order and cooperation on the island, leading to conflicts between them. As time passes, they become increasingly savage and violent, with some boys forming a tribe that hunts and kills animals for food. This eventually leads to them killing one of their own members, Simon, mistaking him for a beast. Later, Roger kills Piggy pushing a boulder at him, causing him to fall to his death on the rocks below. The boys also engage in a brutal power struggle between two leaders: Ralph and Jack. In the end, they are rescued by adults who find them on the island but not before causing destruction and death among themselves. Overall, Lord of the Flies portrays how easily society can collapse into chaos and violence when individuals are left without rules or guidance.
How does Piggy die in Lord of the Flies?
Piggy dies in Lord of the Flies when Roger, a member of Jack’s tribe, pushes a large rock off a cliff that hits Piggy and kills him instantly. This event symbolizes the complete breakdown of civilization on the island and the triumph of savagery over reason.
How did Simon die in Lord of the Flies?
Simon died in Lord of the Flies when he was mistaken for the beast and killed by the other boys. He had gone to the mountaintop to confirm that there was no actual beast on the island, but during his return, he encountered a group of boys who were performing a frenzied dance and chanting “kill the beast.” In his attempt to tell them that there was no beast, they mistook him for the creature and attacked him with spears until he died.
How does the sentence length affect tone here in Lord of the Flies?
Throughout Lord of the Flies, the author William Golding varies his sentence length to create different tones and moods. Short, choppy sentences are used during tense or action-packed moments, creating a sense of urgency and fear. For example, in chapter 2, when Jack is trying to kill the pig for the first time, Golding uses short sentences such as “Jack crouched with his face a few inches away from this clue” and “He snatched up his knife from the grass and slammed it into a tree trunk.” These quick sentences contribute to the intense tone of the scene.
In contrast, longer, more descriptive sentences are used during calmer moments or when setting a scene. They create a more relaxed or contemplative mood. For instance, in chapter 3, when Ralph thinks about his role as leader and looks out at the island’s beauty, Golding uses longer sentences like “The shore was fledged with palm trees” and “The forest near them burst into uproar.” These longer sentences contribute to the reflective tone of this moment.
Overall, Golding’s use of sentence length helps to convey different emotions and attitudes throughout Lord of the Flies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lord of the Flies is a novel filled with disturbing and violent events that underscore the dark side of human nature and the dangers of mob mentality. The killing of the sow, in particular, is a powerful example of the boys’ descent into savagery and the loss of their humanity. The graphic descriptions of the violence only makes the scene and its message even more powerful.
The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization and the potential for violence and cruelty that exists within us all. The use of children as the main characters only adds to the disturbing nature of the story, reminding us of the innocence and vulnerability of youth and the importance of providing guidance and structure to help them navigate the complexities of the world. It’s for these reasons that the book continues to be studied in English literature classes.