Lord of the Flies Group

Question:

mitchell2
mitchell2
Student
High School - 10th Grade

What historical event does Golding refer to when he discusses "mankind's essential illness" in Chapter 5 of "Lord of the Flies"?

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Posted by mitchell2 on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 8:26 PM and tagged with chapter 5, historical context, lord of the flies, quotes, themes.

Answers:

  1. renkins44
    renkins44 Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    Like all literature, the themes or important quotations are up for interpretation. So long as your interpretation is near the general idea, your teacher will probably be happy with your response as long as you justify your answer logically and provid evidence from the book to support your ideas.

    It's likely that Golding is referring to, in his opinion, human race's deepest flaw -- inherent evil. Evil is what reverts people back to savage tendencies, thus destroying civility and empathetic communities. When people are in their most savage state, they focus only on their own survival and self-preservation with little or no concern for others. In Golding's opinion, this is the most destructive force in society.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/flies/chapter-5-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/flies/historical-context
    http://www.enotes.com/flies/themes

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    Posted by renkins44 on Friday November 7, 2008 at 8:51 AM