Lord of the Flies Themes Quiz

Study Notes

Theme - Savagery

Clash between Ralph (civilization) and Jack (savagery) highlights the struggle for power and order on the island.
Ralph enforces rules and order, while Jack seeks primal gratification and dominance.
The conch shell symbolizes order; its decline parallels the deterioration of civilization.
The Lord of the Flies represents rising savagery, with its destruction marking the end of civilized society.
Ralph’s transition into savagery is shown through his treatment of The Lord of the Flies, indicating his own moral decline.

Theme - Law and Order

Golding emphasizes that evil exists within everyone but can be subdued by societal norms.
The naval officer’s war parallels the boys’ internal conflict on the island, showcasing a cycle of violence.
Initially, the boys are eager to implement rules reflective of their civilized upbringing.
As chaos ensues and hope for rescue fades, rules dissipate, leading to the unearthing of their inner beast.

Theme - Loss of Innocence

Ralph’s lament over the "end of innocence" symbolizes the profound transformation of the boys.
Unlike their playful beginnings, by the end, they reflect war-torn adults with tarnished morals.
The narrative draws parallels to the biblical Fall of Man, marking a loss of purity.
Belief in the beast signifies their descent from innocence, mirroring mythical fall narratives.

Theme - Fear

Fear amplifies reality, as seen in Samneric’s misinterpretation of the dead paratrooper.
The boys’ collective fear leads to the emergence of primal instincts rather than unity.
Initially, fear arises from isolation; the jungle symbolizes the unknown and darkness.
Jack manipulates fear to assert dominance, using it as a tool for leadership, while Ralph represents reason.

Context

Golding’s WWII experiences influenced his perspectives on humanity's darker aspects.
His service, including command of a rocket-launcher during the Normandy invasion, shaped his understanding of evil.

The Lord of the Flies

Simon’s encounter with the sow’s head reveals the inherent evil in humanity, foreshadowing his tragic fate.
The Lord of the Flies symbolizes evil's power and serves as a Satan-like figure, highlighting the internal struggle within humans.
The term "Lord of the Flies" translates to Beelzebub, linking the narrative to biblical evil and spiritual depravity.

Description

This quiz explores the intricate themes of savagery and law and order in William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'. Dive into the conflict between Ralph and Jack as they embody civilization and primal instincts. Analyze key symbols like the conch shell and the Lord of the Flies to understand their representation of societal breakdown.