A sudden plane crash. Seven teenaged boys stranded on an island. Desperate attempts at self-governance and the consequences that follow. William Golding’s famous novel ‘Lord of the Flies’ is a story of survival, immense power play and an insight into the functioning of society.
Despite being a classic, ‘Lord of the Flies’ has been criticised over the years, eventually leading to it being banned in several schools and public libraries.
Graphic and violent scenes such as the murder of one of the children and killing of animals have been a cause of concern for educators and parents alike who believe children to be an inappropriate audience for such descriptions.
Moreover, instances of bullying can also be seen throughout the novel, where younger and weaker characters are picked upon. The disastrous effects of children trying to govern themselves is portrayed through the fight for power between two characters – Jack and Ralph.
Concepts of such group dynamics are relevant in the present. Through his novel, Golding, perhaps unintentionally, makes reference to the mob mentality and peer pressure felt by children even nowadays.
Golding’s portrayal of the seven boys dives into the darker nature of humans and their inherent capacity for evil. The struggle for survival on the island brings forth the brutality and savagery of the boys. In the absence of societal norms and an authoritative figure, the island descends to chaos. This fosters feelings of anger and fear amongst the survivors. These darker themes were considered to have a negative emotional impact on young minds.
The island depicted in ‘Lord of the Flies’ has been considered an allegory for today’s society.
Not only does it establish the the importance of governance but also acts as a caveat against the dire consequences of breakdown of social customs and abandonment of established rules in the real world.
As a result, many felt the need to ban ‘Lord of the Flies’. Yet, it appears controversial that the book was banned for the very reasons it is relevant today. It remains a timeless classic that raises questions about morality, ethics, human nature and society.
Anoushka Chopra
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