Discussion Topic
Description of the language used in Lord of the Flies
Summary:
The language in Lord of the Flies is vivid and symbolic. William Golding employs descriptive and often stark imagery to convey the descent into savagery. His use of language effectively captures the psychological and physical transformation of the boys on the island, emphasizing themes of civilization versus barbarism and the inherent darkness within humanity.
What strange and terrifying language is used in the first few paragraphs of Lord of the Flies?
In the first paragraphs, the strangeness and terror of the place the boys have landed is conveyed through description. Description consists of imagery using the five senses of sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.
The place to which they have arrived is described as having a visual appearance as follows. It is a
long scar smashed into the jungle
Words such as "scar" and "smashed" imply injury and violence, making us uneasy. Further, a "jungle" is a place of danger. Jungles also tend to be far away from where most people live. We don't know where the boys are, but it sounds like a strange and ominous place far from home. We also learn that the place is "a bath of heat."
Adding to a sense of terror is a sound image, the "witch-like cry" of a bird, which is eerily echoed by another bird.
The sense of oddness and fear continues as one boy says:
Perhaps there aren’t any grownups anywhere.
Our anxieties have been raised: the boys seem to have landed all by themselves on an island with no adult to turn to, and it is a place that seems eerie and dangerous.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.