Lord of the Flies: Lecture Notes

Introduction

Setting: A plane carrying British schoolboys is shot down during an atomic war, leading to their stranding on an uninhabited island.
Initial Situation: Pilot is killed, boys survive without adult supervision.

Savagery vs Civilization: The boys' descent into savagery as they establish social and political systems.
Power Struggles: Demonstrates the conflict between democratic and authoritarian political systems.

Ralph:
- Protagonist, elected leader, represents liberal democracy.
- Seeks to maintain order and civilization among the boys.
Piggy:
- Intelligent, asthmatic, and socially awkward.
- Represents intellectualism and culture; his glasses are crucial for starting fire.
Jack:
- Antagonist, embodies militarism and authoritarianism.
- Transforms the choir into hunters, representing the primal instinct for power.
Simon:
- Sensitive, spiritual connection with nature.
- Represents humanity's inherent goodness, often an outcast.
Sam and Eric:
- Identical twins, symbolize the struggle for individuality.
Roger:
- Sadistic and cruel, reflects the darker sides of human nature.
Maurice:
- Enjoys the thrill of hunting, symbolizes the mindless crowd in a militant society.
Percival:
- Represents the vulnerable members of society, needing protection.

Formation of Leadership: Ralph is elected chief after climbing out of the plane wreckage.
Establishing Order: Ralph calls a meeting to set rules; the conch shell symbolizes authority.
Fire and Rescue: Ralph emphasizes the importance of maintaining a signal fire to attract rescuers.

First Signs of Savagery: Jack's attempt to kill a piglet marks the beginning of violent instincts.
Deterioration of Society: As Jack's obsession with hunting grows, he neglects the group's survival needs.
Escalation of Violence: After a failed rescue opportunity, Jack's tribe engages in brutal rituals, resulting in Simon's death.

The Beast: The boys' fear of an imaginary beast symbolizes their inner savagery.
Ralph's Leadership Challenges: Ralph's authority is increasingly undermined by Jack's growing power.
Simon’s Revelation: Simon discovers the dead pilot, realizing the true nature of the beast.
Death of Piggy: Represents the complete breakdown of civilization; the shattering of the conch signifies the end of order.
Ralph’s Flight: Ralph is hunted by the other boys, showcasing their complete descent into savagery.

Rescue: A naval officer arrives, scolding the boys for their behavior.
Loss of Innocence: Ralph weeps for Piggy and the loss of innocence, highlighting the tragic consequences of their experiences.
Final Reflection: Other boys also cry, suggesting their awareness of the darkness within themselves.