Lord of the Flies
Chapter 1

Lord of the Flies – the story and learning so far recap

·        “why should I be called Jack, it’s Merridew” – Jack’s initial insistence on being called by his surname firstly is militaristic as the military are referred to and know by their surnames. This furthers the references to the military and war that Golding often includes in his novel. Secondly Jack’s wish highlights his desire to be different and set apart from the others. It is also of note that the reader does not learn Jack’s first name for some time as he is referred to as the boy, and we are lots of description of his “black” clothing which creates a sinister atmosphere, then we are introduced to him by his surname before finally learning his first name, this replicates the formal, cold relationship he forms with the others boy and we too get a real sense of the distance between Jack and the others. The insistence by Jack on using his surname could also highlight his wish to command respect.

·        Piggy initially finds the conch and sees its value instantly – does this show that he values order more than the others and so this hints at his orderly character. The conch is a symbol of order, which Golding felt was crucial in saving humanity from themselves.

·        It is a poignant moment at the beginning of the text in chapter one when the three contrasting characters: Jack, Ralph and Simon, explore the land to discover if it is indeed an island. This is important so that we can then understand the level of depravity that occurs throughout the text.

·        We witness the deterioration of humanity on the island, and as we do so we learn of Golding’s belief in the deterioration of humanity as a whole as he witnessed in WWII.

·        Piggy’s glasses are a symbol of civilisation.

·        Ralph is described as having “fair hair”, which suggests he is pure and also references Hitler’s desired Ayran race; it furthers the idea that Ralph is the ideal.

·        Golding does not put forward Piggy as leader, even although he clearly has the intelligence and he puts himself forward to lead, as he is working class and is not outwardly attractive. This highlights society’s inability to value true ‘inner beauty’ and qualities and instead society value’s physical attributes, and specifically those of the middle class.

·        When the boys vote Ralph as the leader, this shows democracy is present at the beginning of the text.

·        At the start of the text, several important ideals of a Western, civilised society are present: democracy, order (through the conch), kindness: “shy liking each other”, and a respect for others – Simon’s inclusion in touring the island.

Page 23 onwards

·        Simon is at one with nature and resourceful:  We could make scratches on bark”.

·        “they savoured the right of domination” This highlights the male dominated society and man’s innate need to dominate and their enjoyment of it. The word choice of “domination” has suggestions of over powering, of being forceful and maltreatment.

·        Jack is often concerned with hunting. Golding associates Jack with hunting.

·        Only when the boys “were friends” do they feel a breeze and escape the heat that engulfs them previously.

·        When Simon notices the beauty of nature with the “candles” that are bushes, interestingly Jack’s first reaction is to “slash” them. The word choice of “slash” has suggestions of extreme violence, frenzied, has associations with murder, is excessive and therefore suggests these qualities are part of Jack’s nature and hint at his depraved character.

·        It is very interesting to note the different reactions and perspective to and of the bush by Simon, Jack and Ralph. Simon sees the beauty and fragility, Ralph sees little and Jack disregards it as it cannot be eaten – he is solely concerned with physical needs.

·        Jack’s initial meeting with the piglet and his failure to kill him with his “face white under freckles” highlights his innocence and that his desire to kill is not yet formed. It reminds us that , for now, he remains very much a child.