Lecture Notes: William Golding and Lord of the Flies

William Golding's Background

• Loss of Faith: Golding, a former philosophy teacher turned Royal Navy lieutenant, was disillusioned by human nature due to WWII experiences and Cold War threats.
• Impact on Writing: These experiences inspired his novel, Lord of the Flies.

Publication

• Struggles: The novel was rejected by 21 publishers until it was published in 1954.
• Title Origin: Derived from Beelzebub, a demon linked to pride and war—central themes in the book.

Genre and Satire

• Contrast to Classic Adventures: Satirizes the island adventure genre, which often involved young boys mastering nature and promoting colonialist values.
• Reference to Coral Island: Explicitly uses settings and character names from R.M. Ballantyne's Coral Island but diverges into darker themes.

Plot Overview

• Setting: Opens with boys on an island after their plane is shot down during a nuclear war.
• Characters: The boys are strangers, except for a choir led by Jack. They range from 6 to 13 years old.
• Atmosphere: Initially appears idyllic but quickly reveals a darker tone with ominous imagery and rumors of a "beastie."

Themes and Narrative

• Breakdown of Order: Without adult authority, cooperation unravels. Ralph and Jack's leadership struggle leads to a group split and descent into savagery.
• Universal Themes: Explores morality, civility, and society, challenging colonialist narratives by showing British schoolboys as savages.
• Timelessness: Few references to a specific place/time, making its examination of human nature universal.

Critical Reflection

• Grim Perspective: Challenges readers with a bleak view of human nature.
• Relation to Broader Context: The boys' internal struggle mirrors the ongoing war outside the island.
• Philosophical Inquiry: Raises questions about self-preservation of mind in oppressive societies.

Continued Exploration

• Encourages exploration of similar themes in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.