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89 Lord of the Flies Essay Titles & Examples

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• Evil in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies” by Golding
• Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Lord of the Flies: Novel Analysis
• Lord of the Flies, an Allegorical Novel by William Golding
• Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies” by Golding
• Exploring Allegory and Symbolism in William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’
• Symbolism in the Lord of the Flies Book by Golding
• Duality in “Lord of the Flies” by Golding
• Writing on the Novel I Love: Lord of the Flies
• Literature Studies: “Lord of the Flies” by W. Golding

Below, you can find a list of Lord of the Flies thesis statements together with corresponding topics:

• Topic: Characters in Lord of the Flies representing civil humans and savages. Thesis: The author uses Piggy, who always knows the correct way to organize the boys, to bring up the theme of civilization, while other characters represent savage ways of living.
• Topic: Interpretation of the symbol of the dead parachutist in Lord of the Flies . Thesis: The most potent interpretations of the parachutist is that he is a sign of evil corrupting the island and people’s souls.
• Topic: Symbols of authority and the war over power in Lord of the Flies . Thesis: Boys argue and fight throughout the novel over the leader’s place, using the sow’s head and the conch as symbols of the different forms of authority.
• Topic: Littluns vs. biguns: the significance of introducing the less important group of boys in Lord of the Flies . Thesis: Apart from introducing the beast, the littluns play an essential role as moral indicators, with the biguns who treat the younger boys nicely being perceived as kind.
• Topic: Are the characters of Lord of the Flies representations of stereotypes? Thesis: The boys in the novel represent many things, but the main one is stereotypes based on appearance.
• A Comprehensive Analysis of the Key Elements of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• The Role of Simon in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Literary Comparison of Ballantyne’s “Coral Island” and Golding’s Island in “Lord of the Flies”
• Attitude Towards Children in the Story “Lord of the Flies”
• Jack as a Symbol of Savagery and Anarchy in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• A Description of the Potential for Evil in Everyone as One of the Theme in the Novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Evil in Humanity in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Savagery and the Beast Theme in “Lord of the Flies”
• The Fall of Civilization Into Savagery in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• An Allegory of Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis Theory in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• A Literary Analysis of the Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Symbol Hunting Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• A Comparison Between the Movie and Novel “Lord of the Flies”
• Abuse of Power and the Effect of Tyrannical Leadership Between “Lord of the Flies” and “The Chrysalids”
• Fear of the Unknown in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• A Comparison of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding and “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles on Peer Pressure
• Internal and External Conflicts in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Importance of the Extract in the Development of the Main Themes in “Lord of the Flies”
• Destructiveness of Jealousy Depicted in “Lord of the Flies” and “Woman Warrior”
• A Demonstration of the Influence and Power of People Over One Another Through the Character of Piggy in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• A Character of Piggy as the Character Who Most Deserved to Be Saved in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding

Using topic sentences in every part of your essay can help it be more coherent. The following example can make it easier for you. Here are sample topic sentences for an essay on Lord of the Flies :

Topic: Theme of fear in Lord of the Flies .

• Introduction. In the novel, fear is the power that forces the most significant changes happening with the boys and their society.
• Body paragraph 1. First, William Golding shows how the fear of losing power reveals Jack’s manipulative personality.
• Body paragraph 2. Another example is Ralph’s fear of the unknown that makes it impossible for the boys to progress any further.
• Body paragraph 3. Finally, Piggy gets terrified of becoming a savage and dying, which eventually brings the boys’ society to an end.
• Conclusion. In Lord of the Flies , Golding uses every character’s weakness to show how fear controls people’s lives and alters their perspective.
• The Role of Government in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Moral Consequences in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• The Symbolism of Power in “Lord of the Flies”
• An Analysis of Human Behavior in “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Lord of the Flies”
• Changes in the Conception of God in “Lord of the Flies”
• Innate Evil in “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and “Lord of the Flies”
• A Look at Disturbing Events Highlighted in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• Allegory of Social Dissolution “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Ralph as a Good Leader in “Lord of the Flies”
• An Analysis of Democratic and Authoritarian Power in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Leaders and Leadership in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Golding’s Pessimistic View on People and Society in His Book “Lord of the Flies”
• Analyzing the Themes of Innocence and Fear in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• A Description of the Occurrence of Civilization in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Importance of the Beast in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”: A Dream of a Deserted Island Into Reality
• Adventures, Conflicts, and Struggles in “Lord of the Flies”
• Good and Evil in Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• Failure of Paradise in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• Immorality of Human Nature Depicted in Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
• Formation of Rules and Perception of Civilization in “Lord of the Flies”

Still trying to pick the best essay title? Here’s a short guide on how to choose a good title:

• What’s your interest? Choose the topic that you’re interested in. The hours of research you’ll spend on your essay will be very productive as the quality of the results tends to be proportionate to the energy put into the project. Moreover, the result is more likely to be high quality.
• What does your assignment say? If you received assignment instructions, double-check to see if they say what area of research to work on.
• Is your topic narrow enough? After you decide on the area of research, think about the specific issues within it.

To give you some ideas on where to look here’s also a list of research areas on Lord of the Flies :

• Historical context. You can discuss the title’s origin or analyze why the novel was banned at first.
• Symbolism. Talk about the novel’s main symbols along with the less obvious ones.
• Characters. Analyze any significant details about the novel’s characters.
• Psychology. You can write about Lord of the Flies from a psychological perspective, for example analyzing it through Freud’s prism.
• How Golding Presents the Decline From Civilization to Savagery in “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Does Piggy Symbolize in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does the Second World War Reflect on “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Ideas About Human Nature and Behavior Golding Was Trying to Express in “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Does the Plane Crash Symbolize in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does William Golding Present the Character of Jack in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Golding Express His Ideas About Leadership in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Roger Change in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding?
• How the Society Suppresses Evil in the Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Golding Create a Setting in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does the Author Present Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does William Golding Show Evil at Work in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Anybody Could Regress Into Savagery in Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Is the Author’s Characterization and Language Attributed to the Novel of the “Lord of the Flies”?
• Why Did William Golding Name His Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Golding Present Death in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does the Setting Affect the Story “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Children Are Treated in the Story of “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Golding Make the Physical World Seem Important in “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Is Ralph’s Attitude Toward Piggy in the First Chapter of “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Many Boys Are in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Golding Creates Tension in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does the Opening Prepare the Reader for the Rest of the Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
• Why the Boys Were Doomed to Fail in “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Influenced William Golding to Write “Lord of the Flies”?
• Ways That Golding Presents the Island in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Golding Uses Symbols in “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does William Golding Use the Setting to Develop the Main Theme of His Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
• How Does Piggy’s Character Develop Through Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”?
• What Ruined Ralph and Jack’s Friendship in “Lord of the Flies”?
• Why is Ralph a better leader than Jack in Lord of the Flies ? A true leader encourages people to change their society for the better. According to Golding’s novel, what makes Ralph a more suitable candidate to be in power than Jack?
• The beast as the representation of the inner evil in Lord of the Flies . The beast pushes the characters of the novel into fear. In turn, this fear causes their inner evil to come to the surface. You can analyze this issue.
• The reason the society-building experiment failed in Lord of the Flies . The boys are trapped on an island and try to copy the adult way of creating the hierarchy. Would it end up differently if they came up with their own social structure? Discuss the main aspects and reasons for their failure.
• Freudian perspective on personality as the way to analyze Lord of the Flies . Freudian theory suggests that personality is divided into three parts: the id, ego, and superego. Explore the novel’s characters and the plot from this perspective.
• World War II as a significant element of influence on Golding’s Lord of the Flies . William Golding experienced WW2 which puts some extra meaning into his novel. In what ways does it manifest?
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116 Lord of the Flies Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, is a classic novel that explores themes of civilization, human nature, and the darkness that lies within us all. It is a powerful and thought-provoking book that has captivated readers for decades. If you are tasked with writing an essay on Lord of the Flies, you may be struggling to come up with a topic. To help you get started, here are 116 Lord of the Flies essay topic ideas and examples that you can use as inspiration for your own writing:

• Analyze the symbolism of the conch shell in Lord of the Flies.
• Discuss the theme of civilization vs. savagery in the novel.
• Explore the character development of Ralph throughout the story.
• Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Ralph and Jack.
• Examine the role of fear in the novel.
• Discuss the significance of the beast in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the relationship between Piggy and Ralph.
• Explore the theme of power in the novel.
• Discuss the significance of the title Lord of the Flies.
• Examine the role of the littluns in the story.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Simon and Piggy.
• Discuss the symbolism of the fire in the novel.
• Explore the theme of violence in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the role of the naval officer at the end of the novel.
• Discuss the significance of the setting in Lord of the Flies.
• Examine the theme of isolation in the story.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Jack and Roger.
• Discuss the role of hunting in the novel.
• Analyze the symbolism of the glasses in Lord of the Flies.
• Explore the theme of loss of innocence in the story.
• Discuss the significance of the parachute man in the novel.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Sam and Eric.
• Analyze the role of the choir boys in the story.
• Discuss the theme of identity in Lord of the Flies.
• Explore the symbolism of the island in the novel.
• Analyze the theme of survival in the story.
• Discuss the significance of the signal fire in Lord of the Flies.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Maurice and Simon.
• Analyze the role of the conch in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of innocence in Lord of the Flies.
• Explore the symbolism of the beastie in the story.
• Analyze the role of the naval officer in the novel.
• Discuss the significance of the island in Lord of the Flies.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Percival and Johnny.
• Analyze the theme of authority in the story.
• Discuss the symbolism of the scar in Lord of the Flies.
• Explore the role of the littluns in the novel.
• Analyze the theme of fear in the story.
• Discuss the significance of the fire in Lord of the Flies.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Henry and Wilfred.
• Analyze the role of the parachute man in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of power in the story.
• Explore the symbolism of the glasses in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the theme of survival in the novel.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Robert and Bill.
• Analyze the role of the conch shell in the story.
• Discuss the theme of identity in the novel.
• Explore the symbolism of the island in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the theme of civilization vs. savagery in the story.
• Discuss the significance of the beastie in Lord of the Flies.
• Discuss the theme of fear in the story.
• Explore the significance of the title Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the symbolism of the conch in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the parachute man in the story.
• Discuss the theme of authority in the novel.
• Explore the symbolism of the scar in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the role of the littluns in the story.
• Discuss the theme of power in the novel.
• Analyze the significance of the setting in Lord of the Flies.
• Discuss the theme of violence in the story.
• Explore the symbolism of the fire in the novel.
• Analyze the role of Jack in Lord of the Flies.
• Discuss the theme of isolation in the story.
• Analyze the role of the choir boys in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies.
• Explore the symbolism of the glasses in the story.
• Analyze the role of Ralph in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of survival in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the role of Roger in the story.
• Analyze the role of Piggy in the story.
• Discuss the theme of fear in the novel.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Ralph and Jack.
• Analyze the role of the beast in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the symbolism of the conch shell in the novel.
• Analyze the role of the glasses in the story.
• Discuss the theme of violence in the novel.
• Explore the symbolism of the fire in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the role of the naval officer in the story.
• Analyze the role of the choir boys in Lord of the Flies.
• Discuss the theme of survival in the story.
• Explore the symbolism of the parachute man in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of civilization vs. savagery in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the role of the beastie in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of identity in the story.
• Explore the significance of the setting in Lord of the Flies.
• Analyze the symbolism of the scar in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of loss of innocence in the story.
• Analyze the role of the conch in Lord of the Flies.
• Explore the symbolism of the island in the story.
• Analyze the role of the signal fire in the novel.
• Discuss the theme of power in Lord of the Flies.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your Lord of the Flies essay. Feel free to use them as inspiration or come up with your own unique topic. Remember to support your arguments with evidence from the text and to provide insightful analysis in your writing. Good luck!

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Lord Of The Flies - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Lord of the Flies, a novel by William Golding, explores the descent into savagery of a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island. Through this narrative, the novel delves deeply into themes of human nature, civilization versus savagery, and the loss of innocence. An essay might examine the psychological and sociological underpinnings of the characters’ actions and the societal commentary offered by Golding. There could be a discussion about the symbolic elements used in the narrative, such as the conch shell, Piggy’s glasses, and the “beast,” and how they contribute to the novel’s message. Comparative analysis with other dystopian or survivalist fiction, or a discussion on the novel’s relevance in contemporary society, can offer a rich examination of “Lord of The Flies” and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Lord Of The Flies you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

What Role does Fear Play in Lord of the Flies

Dread, significant for the endurance of mankind, it has consistently been engraved in everybody from birth and utilized til' the very end. In the novel The Lord of the Flies, the young men on the island are greatly influenced by dread, as it controls their choices and their perspective. William Golding clues to fear as the most hazardous and damaging power on the island and supports this by Jack's dread of losing power brings about his manipulative nature, Ralph's dread […]

Savagery and the “Beast” Theme in Lord of the Flies

The Oxford Dictionary defines savagery as the condition of being primitive or uncivilized. Savage and uncivilized behavior is the last thing you would expect from a group of english boys privately schooled; however, author William Golding thought otherwise. Lord of the Flies is a fictional novel written by William Golding in 1954, Golding used his experiences during WWII and as an English teacher teaching ill-behaved boys to develop the idea that people aren't innately good. After his time as a […]

How does Jack Represent Savagery in the Novel?

In the novel, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the character, Jack, symbolizes evilness and savagery. At the beginning of the story, Jack manipulates the reader into thinking that he is a good character. This is shown when he volunteers to lead the group of boys. However, on the contrary, Jack portrays evilness throughout the book in many scenes such as when he kills the pig, chants the phrase "'Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood. and […]

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Lord of the Flies Killing the Sow

“‘Maybe there is a beast… maybe it's only us’”(Golding 82). William Golding writes 'it's only us' as he believes that every man has a darker side, an inner beast that is proven inescapable by moral depravity. Throughout Lord of the flies, the young British boys stranded on an island will attempt to suppress men's darker side by governing themselves, nonetheless; their evil instincts will eventually present itself causing division among the boys. Ralph, the oldest of the group, will strive […]

Jack’s Personality in Lord of the Flies

In the story Lord Of The Flies by William Golding, published in 1954, there is a young man, named Jack. Jack is a that has crashed landed on a deserted island with other younger boys. Lord of the Flies takes place on an uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean. There are no older adults on the island to boss the kids around. there are much different symbolism the boy's encounter while on there stay. for instance, Piggy's glasses to create […]

Who is a Better Leader Jack or Ralph?

In Williams Golding's Novel, Lord Of The Flies , Ralph and Jack are leaders. Leadership is when a person who is confident to take responsibility and who inspire people to do things. A person is important because they encourage people to do things they want to do or be. Ralph is the better leader because he is more organized and he is more responsible and makes good decisions at the same time. Ralph is a better leader. Ralph is a […]

Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

In literature, a common symbol typically arises to convey an important message. The symbol often follows the characters and changes along with them. In Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, a story following a group of boys as they are stranded on an uninhabited island in the midst of World War II. A conch shell that one of the boys finds plays an important role throughout the story, symbolizing the only sense of peace and authority. Along with this, […]

Lord of the Flies: Civilization Vs Savagery

Imagine being stranded on an island. your first instinct is to discover some nourishment, shelter, and to discover an exit plan the island. being marooned can be a critical circumstance. it can raise new difficulties and self-revelation. At the point when a group of young boys gets stranded on an island alone without any grown-ups together they should figure out how to live and make due as a gathering. Not exclusively should their principle need is nourishment and a safe […]

Comparison of Civilization Vs Savagery

What would you do when you're stuck on an island with 3 other people on an island and some civilization such as a tribe of boys? This is what the Lord of the flies is about. The Lord of the flies is an allegory which is essentially a metaphor in which a character is used to deliver a broader message. Throughout this novel, Golding represents the conflict between civilization and savagery in the conflict between Ralph, who represents order and […]

‘Lord of the Flies’ Themes, Symbols, and Literary Devices

William Golding's best work, Lord of the Flies is a harsh tale about innocent boys stranded on an island that inevitably revert to savagery. Jack's (main antagonist) tribe conquered every inch of soil on the island with their brutality, despite Ralph (main protagonist) and Piggy's increasingly desperate attempts to halt this advance. Jack's tribe, which uses violence and oppression of outsiders, represents a military force, in direct opposite of Ralph's and Piggy's civilized tribe which represents a stable government. The […]

The Descent into Darkness: Exploring Inner Evil in ‘Lord of the Flies’

In the book “Lord of the flies,” the boys face many things that give them fear such as the beast, the fear of not being rescued and in time the fear of each other, this fear awakens the inner evil within each of them. The beast or “beastie”1 takes many forms throughout the book which gradually changes as the boys slowly descend into madness. At the beginning, it is thought to be a snake, the author uses the snake as […]

The Fall of Civilization into Savagery

Thomas Hobbes argues that "the life of man, [is] solitary, poore, nasty, brutish and short'" and the only way to avoid it is by accepting "mutually recognized public authority" (Lloyd and Shreedhar, "Hobbes's Moral and Political Philosophy"). In the novel Lord of the Flies, William Golding tells the story of a group of boys who crash landed and are stranded on an island that no one knows about. A few of the older boys attempt to recreate the organized society […]

How does Roger Change in Lord of the Flies by William Golding?

Through the development of Roger in The Lord of the Flies, William Golding advances the theme that humans are capable of doing evil things, but society has conditioned us to hide it. Roger is held back in the beginning by the taboo of his old life and still holds on to the principles of his old life. Until the end of the novel when darkness has overtaken him. What Does Roger Look Like in Lord of the Flies Golding illustrated […]

The Symbolism of Power in “Lord of the Flies”

Russian dictatorship is a topic that is fitting when discussing power comes from fear. Stalin was an infamous dictator who used his power to create fear in the eyes of the Russian citizens. This is similar to William Golding's the Lord of the Flies, he demonstrates that those in power will take advantage of people's fear. In the book, Jack and Ralph both are in a struggle for power and both struggle to remain in power as they attack each […]

Civilization, Power and Moral Consequences in Lord of the Flies

Order, leadership, power, and moral consequences are some concepts needed in society to maintain civilization. Lord of the Flies by William Golding explores these ideological struggles between two main characters: Ralph and Jack. With different perspectives about how one should rule, they both challenge each other from the start. The novel starts off with a plane crash in the middle of an unknown island where a group of young English boys are isolated without any adults, and are thus tested […]

How does Lord of the Flies Prove Boys Need Adult Guidance to Grow into Civilised Adults?

In the novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding, suggests that without adults, children will grow up fast. Some are followers and some will rise to the occasion and become leaders. All of these children have one thing in common: they all grew afraid and lose innocence because they have now are boundaries that are set up by adults. This is best shown through the character Ralph in Lord of the Flies. The book is about a group of boys […]

Suffering Society

The story Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, is a novel displaying how fragile a society is. This story is about a plane full of young boys that crashes onto an island. At first, the boys think that it will be fun to be on their own with no adults, but they soon realize that it will be more difficult to survive than they thought. While trying to survive and be rescued, leaders are chosen and unfortunately the boys […]

Lord of the Flies Themes & Motifs

The Lord of the Flies is referencing the pig head that the boys used as a peace offering to the beast. Throughout the book, the boys change over time in many ways. As time goes on, the pig head begins to rot and by the end of the story, the head is only a skull. The rotting of the pig head symbolizes the boys developing and becoming more savage. At the end of the book, when the pig head is […]

Movie “Lord of the Flies” by Harry Hook

If the movie is made based on the novel, there might be several differences that director made to specialize and make the movie unique. In the movie Lord of the Flies, Harry Hook made differences with novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding to magnify the hidden meaning or symbols in the novel. There are variances in entire storyline, character depict, and other small areas. On the other hand, there are similarities that director maintained from the novel. Now, […]

Lord of the Flies & WWII/Holocaust Connections

The fear and darkness of the time period had spread to all living souls in surrounding of the terror. William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, takes place around 1950 during one of the evilous events in human history. The Holocaust was a horrible act of exterminating humans for not being the way Hitler, in his mind, pictured for the human race. Lord of the Flies is a novel that has symbols with hidden meanings that historically relate to The […]

Ralph and Jack in “Lord of the Flies”

In the novel The Lord of the Flies we meet a group of boys who are stranded on an island without any form of civilization. The author, William Golding, never specifically states how the boys got to the island but it was implied in the first paragraph that were survivors of a plane crash. They plane was shot down in the middle of the ocean and crashed into the jungle where the boys were separated from the pilot and each […]

Tree of Life

In many religions, the Tree of Life is perceived to be a symbolic representation of higher powers and the control they exert over humans. In early times people believed this spiritual tree would give them a path to immortality. On the other hand, other religious leaders state that this very tree could be the cause of the pitfalls in life. In the novel, Lord of The Flies William Golding utilizes the Tree of Life as a pathway taken by each […]

The Role of Government in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding

Politics seems to always have savagery involved, and sometimes savagery has politics involved. William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, may be set on a remote island sparsely populated with young boys who have become stranded and who are trying desperately yet ineffectively to establish and maintain order; however, the lessons that Lord of the Flies holds for the reader about the purpose and peril of government remain relevant as metaphors of modern politics. The naive, inexperienced boys who have […]

Adventures, Conflicts, and Struggles in “Lord of the Flies”

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a fictional novel which tells of a group of boys who are stranded on an island with no adult supervision, and their adventures, conflicts, and struggles. The boys are stranded on an island and one of the boys, Ralph, becomes the leader of the boys and is trying his hardest to get the boys rescued. Meanwhile, another, Jack, shows no intention of getting off the island and makes a band of hunters which […]

Lord of the Flies: Leadership

Leadership is commonly defined as somebody who inspires people, rather it be strong non-verbal communication or standing up for someone in their team. Leaders are important because without a leader you’d be lost or misguided. With a leader you’ll have somebody to show you what to do and how to do it. Ralph and Jack are very different in their approach to leadership. Jack is impatient, strict, and harsh. Ralph on the other hand, is cooperative, patient, and less-harsh. Both […]

Author’s Style in Things Fall Apart and Lord of the Flies 

The writing in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, is different than what I normally read. I think this has to do with the proverbs that are used. Achebe uses lyrical and visual language through the use of proverbs and short stories to provide a photographic view of the Ibo’s culture. “Yam, the king of crops, was a very exacting king. For three or four moons it demanded hard work and constant attention from the cock-crow till the chickens went […]

The Symbolism of Power in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies

Will they make it home? When the boys landed on the island Ralph was the one to take charge, he was more responsible than anybody so he became the person that the other boys followed after. He tries to keep the boys civilized by creating rules similar to the ones at home, and was the only one who made finding a way home their top priority. After a while in my opinion Jack become jealous of Ralph and tried to […]

Lord of the Flies Darkness in Man’s Heart Sophomore

The book”Lord of the Flies” written by William Golding shows and showcases the true nature of all living life. In the beginning of the story, As in a world which is during war, a crash has taken these first innocent children and or pre-teens through the empty depths of a unknown island. In the story, a quote to support this claim is “When we was coming down I looked through one of the windows. I saw the other part of […]

Opposing Forces in “Lord of the Flies”

In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Golding creates two drastically opposing forces that fight for dominance over the boys that are trapped on the island. One (the conch) represents civilization, democracy, reasoning, and logic while the other (the beast) represents the instinctive behavior of all animals for dominance, violence, and inpulsive actions manifested in mankind. Initially the idea of creating and living in an orderly society with set rules and jobs seemed like the most logical and agreeable […]

Freudian Theory of Mind in Lord of the Flies

Freudian theory of mind in lord of the flies Freudians theory on personality comes from the school of thought that personality is divided into three sections that correlate. The three sections of personality include the Id, ego, and super ego. The theory places these sections into classes where Id falls under unconscious while ego and super ego fall under pre conscious and the conscious consecutively. In the book lord of the flies, Freudians theory is presented by the different symbols […]

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How To Write an Essay About Lord Of The Flies

Understanding 'lord of the flies'.

Before delving into an essay about 'Lord of the Flies,' it's essential to thoroughly understand the novel. Written by William Golding, 'Lord of the Flies' is a compelling story about a group of British boys stranded on a deserted island and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves. The novel explores complex themes such as human nature, the inherent evil within humanity, and the breakdown of societal norms and order. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the plot, characters, and setting. Consider the historical and cultural context in which Golding wrote, particularly the impact of World War II, as this influences the novel's themes and messages.

Developing a Focused Thesis Statement

A strong, focused thesis statement is crucial for an effective essay on 'Lord of the Flies.' This statement should present a specific argument or perspective about the novel. You might analyze the symbolism of the conch shell or the Lord of the Flies, discuss the portrayal of the loss of innocence, or examine the dynamics of power and fear among the boys. Whatever angle you choose, your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and should be supported throughout with evidence from the text.

Gathering Textual Evidence

Support your thesis with carefully chosen evidence from the novel. This might include key events, dialogue, or descriptive passages that illustrate Golding's themes and your interpretation of them. For instance, if exploring the theme of savagery versus civilization, focus on specific moments where this conflict is evident. Analyzing how the characters change over time and how these changes reflect the novel's central ideas is also effective.

Analyzing Golding's Themes and Techniques

In the body of your essay, analyze how Golding uses literary techniques to develop themes and characters. Discuss his use of symbolism, motifs, and characterization, and how these elements contribute to the overall meaning of the novel. For example, explore the significance of the setting as a microcosm of the world or how the characters represent different aspects of society. This analysis should demonstrate a deep understanding of the text and your ability to interpret literary devices.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing your main arguments and restating your thesis in light of the discussion. Reflect on the broader implications of the novel, such as its relevance to modern society or its commentary on human nature. A strong conclusion will tie together your insights and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your perspective on 'Lord of the Flies.'

Reviewing and Refining the Essay

After writing your essay, take time to review and refine it. Ensure that your arguments are coherent, your evidence is clearly presented, and your writing is free of grammatical errors. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, peers, or tutors to help improve your essay. A well-crafted essay on 'Lord of the Flies' should not only demonstrate your understanding of the novel but also your ability to engage critically with literary texts.

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Lord of the Flies

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Chapters 3-5

Chapters 6-7

Chapters 8-9

Chapters 10-11

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Compare/contrast what happensin “normal” society with what happens on the island. Is the society that the boys make more similar or different than the society you know?

Why are there no girls on the island? Do you think that having both genders represented would alter how the boys treat one another?

Why does the “Lord of the Flies” (138)—the pig’s head—tell Simon he is in danger? How does this scene relate to the novel’s title?

What are the littluns afraid of? How do they describe the beast? How does Simon describe it?

Why do the boys separate into “biguns” and “littluns,” and what role does size play in leadership?

What characteristics of Ralph demonstrate why he is thechosen leader?

How does Golding use symbols to convey the overarching themes?

How are the characters of Ralph and Jack foils, and are there any other foils evident throughout the novel?

Fire is an important symbol throughout the text. What duality is evident in this symbol, and how does this duality represent civilization, both on a macro and micro (the island) level?

Discuss three instances in which fear is used to progress the plot. How is the concept of fear used to contrast the concept of hope?

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Lord of the Flies

By william golding, lord of the flies essay questions.

In his introduction to William Golding's novel, novelist E.M. Forster suggests that Golding's writing "lays a solid foundation for the horrors to come." Using Forster's quote as a starting point, discuss how the novel foreshadows the murders of Simon and Piggy. Focus on two events or images from the novel's earlier chapters and describe how they anticipate the novel's tragic outcome.

Answer: The weather on the island grows increasingly more hostile and ominous as the novel's plot unfolds, Piggy's name suggests that he will be killed like an animal, and so on.

Many critics have read Lord of the Flies as a political allegory. In particular, they have considered the novel a commentary on the essential opposition between totalitarianism and liberal democracy. Using two or three concrete examples from the novel, show how the two political ideologies are figured in the novel, and then discuss which of the two you think Golding seems to favor.

Answer: The contrast between Ralph's group on the beach and Jack's tribe at Castle Rock represents the opposition between liberal democracy and totalitarianism. Golding presents the former as the superior system, demonstrated by the success of the assembly among Jack's group of boys and the ordered system that prioritizes the ongoing signal fire on the mountain, tactics that ensure the welfare of the entire group. Note, though, what happens in both groups over time.

Names and naming are important in Lord of the Flies. Many characters have names that allude to other works of literature, give insight into their character, or foreshadow key events. Discuss the significance of the names of, for instance, Sam and Eric, Piggy, and Simon. What does the character's name say about him and his significance? Use external sources as necessary.

Answer: Piggy's name, for example, indicates his inferior position within the social hierarchy of the island and foreshadows his eventual death at the hands of Jack's tribe. Simon was the name of Peter in the Bible. Jack might be named after John Marcher in Henry James's story The Beast in the Jungle , and so on.

Two major symbols in the novel are the conch shell and The Lord of the Flies (the pig's head on a stick). Analyze one or both of these symbols in terms of how they are perceived by the boys as well as what they symbolize for the reader.

Answer: The conch shell represents liberal democracy and order, as endorsed by Ralph and Piggy. The Lord of the Flies tends to represent an autocratic or a primitive order. Note the "exchange" of these objects at the novel's conclusion when the conch is smashed in Jack's camp and Ralph uses part of the Lord of the Flies as a weapon.

The children stranded on the island are all boys, and female characters are rarely discussed. How does this matter for the novel?

Answer: Gender difference is not explicitly discussed or represented in the novel, although femininity is symbolically present in the novel's representations of nature. Some of the male characters are "feminized" by the other boys when they are considered un-masculine or vulnerable. In a boys' choir, many boys have high voices that can sing parts normally reserved for females. It is unclear whether Jack's tribe would have become so violent (and nearly naked) if girls of the same age were on the island.

At the end of Chapter Eleven, Roger pushes Jack aside to descend on the bound twins "as one who wielded a nameless authority." Focusing on this quotation, discuss Roger's actions in Chapter Eleven in relation to Jack's power and political system.

Answer: Roger's actions towards the twins are unauthorized by Jack, indicating that Jack's own authority is under threat. Golding hints at a shift in the power system among Jack's tribe, which highlights the inherent flaws in Jack's system of military dictatorship.

Jack gains power over many of the boys by exploiting their fear of the mythical beast. How does Jack manipulate the myth of the beast to legitimize his authority?

Answer: Jack exploits the boys' fear of the beast to usurp leadership from Ralph, who stresses a rational approach to the presumed evil presence on the island. Within Jack's tribe, the beast continues to have a powerful symbolic and political significance among the boys, uniting them and ensuring their loyalty to Jack's leadership. When Jack first attempts to break away from Ralph's tribe, his authority is not recognized, but as the boys' fear of the beast increases, an increasing number defect from Ralph's group to Jack's, where the existence of the beast is not only acknowledged but is a central fact of day-to-day life.

By Chapter Three, the boys are divided into two groups: the older boys and the younger boys or "littluns." What role do the littluns have to play?

Answer: Consider especially the distinction between savagery and civilization.

What happens with the "littluns" registers the increasing brutality on the island. The earliest examples of violence in the novel are directed against the littluns, acts that foreshadow the violent events of later chapters. Moreover, characters who are kind to the littluns tend to remain most closely associated with civilization throughout the novel.

The novel's narrative action draws an increasingly firm line between savagery and civilization, yet the value of each becomes an issue in the conclusion, when Jack's fire saves the boys. Using these terms, what is the novel suggesting about human nature, evil, and human civilization?

Answer: The naval officer is a military figure, which reminds the reader that "civilized" societies also engage in violence and murder. Evil seems to be a force that threatens human nature and human civilization--from within. Still, evil is associated primarily with savagery and the worse part of our natures.

How does the novel reflect the Cold War and the public's concerns about the conflict between democracy and communism? Does the novel take a side? (Remember to cite all of your research sources in your bibliography.)

Answer: The Cold War was primarily between the democratic U.S. and its allies on the one hand, and the communist U.S.S.R. and its allies on the other hand. The initial events of the novel, following a group of boys in the aftermath of a terrible nuclear war, reflect and capitalize on widespread anxiety about the arms race for destructive atomic weapons. Ralph comes to represent the West and its values, while Jack comes to represent the enemy.

Lord of the Flies Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Lord of the Flies is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Where had Simon fainted before?

From the text:

“He's always throwing a faint,”said Merridew. “He did in Gib.; and Addis; and at matins over the precentor.”

Quote Analysis. "There was a throb..."

At this point Ralph is once again challenging Jack's authority, Unfortunately all the cards are stacked against Ralph. A storm is brewing and to deflect the boys' fears, Jack orders them to dance around the fire. This communal spectacle of...

How do the boys respond to Jack's call for Ralph's removal as chief? How does Jack react? Respond with evidence from the text.

There is a lot of immaturity here. The other boys refuse to vote Ralph out of power. Enraged, Jack has a tantrum and runs away from the group, saying that he is leaving and that anyone who likes is welcome to join him.The boys don't like the open...

Study Guide for Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies study guide contains a biography of William Golding, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Lord of the Flies
• Lord of the Flies Summary
• Lord of the Flies Video
• Character List

Essays for Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

• Two Faces of Man
• The Relationship Between Symbolism and Theme in Lord of the Flies
• A Tainted View of Society
• Death and Social Collapse in Lord of the Flies
• Lumination: The Conquest of Mankind's Darkness

Lesson Plan for Lord of the Flies

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Lord of the Flies
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Lord of the Flies Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Lord of the Flies

• Introduction

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Lord of The Flies — Lord of the Flies’: Civilization vs Savagery as the Main Theme

Lord of The Flies': Civilization Vs Savagery as The Main Theme

• Categories: Lord of The Flies William Golding

About this sample

Words: 1849 |

10 min read

Published: Aug 14, 2023

Words: 1849 | Pages: 4 | 10 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, civilization vs savagery in the lord of the flies.

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Related Essays on Lord of The Flies

In William Golding's iconic novel Lord of the Flies, the character of Jack Merridew plays a pivotal role in showcasing the dark side of human nature. Through his transformation from a disciplined choirboy to a ruthless and [...]

In the classic novel Lord of the Flies, William Golding takes readers on a haunting journey that explores the depths of human nature and the consequences of unchecked power. Throughout the book, death becomes a recurring theme, [...]

William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies explores the dark side of human nature and the destructive power of mob mentality. Throughout the text, the concept of mob mentality is evident in the behavior of the boys stranded [...]

Imagine being stranded on a deserted island, with no rules or authority figures to maintain order. This is the premise of William Golding's renowned novel, Lord of the Flies. Throughout the text, the character of Piggy serves as [...]

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Baker, J. R. (1961). William Golding: A critical study. Faber and Faber.Golding, W. (1954). Lord of the flies. Faber and Faber.Zimbardo, P. G. (1971). The psychology of imprisonment. Society, 8(4), 4-8.

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