Lord of the Flies Group

Question:

mickel
mickel
Student

Why does the novel end in such a sad way?

Rate question:

Posted by mickel on Wednesday March 11, 2009 at 1:54 AM and tagged with end, lord of the flies, theme.

Answers:


  1. michael336 Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Golding's premise is that mankind, left to himself without regulation, will descend into savagery.  His view of human nature was a reaction against his father's humanism, in which man is born good. 

    The characters are from a very conservative background (English boarding school), but quickly shed it as they become "free."  Given the chance, people will do, not only what is in their "best interest," but what gives them the feeling of power over others. 

    The condition of the boys on the island mirrors that of the adults in civilization at the outbreak of a nuclear war.  This was a comment on the Cold War mentality prevalent at the time of the writing of the book.  Mankind needs regulation, or else he will continue in self-interest, even at the risk of his own self-destruction. Golding's view of freedom is not the power to do what we want, but the opportunity to do what we ought.

    Rate answer:

    Posted by michael336 on Wednesday March 11, 2009 at 4:15 AM