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LORD OF THE FLIES BY WILLIAM GOLDING Plot Summary: A plane crash leaves a group of British schoolboys stranded on a tropical island without any adults. They initially try to govern themselves, establishing rules and assigning roles. Ralph, one of the older boys, is elected leader, and he prioritiz...

LORD OF THE FLIES BY WILLIAM GOLDING Plot Summary: A plane crash leaves a group of British schoolboys stranded on a tropical island without any adults. They initially try to govern themselves, establishing rules and assigning roles. Ralph, one of the older boys, is elected leader, and he prioritizes building shelters and maintaining a signal fire for rescue. Piggy, a smart but physically weaker boy, supports Ralph and represents reason and intellect. Jack, another boy, becomes the leader of the hunters. He focuses on hunting pigs for food, gradually prioritizing his primal instincts over the group's needs. Tensions rise between Ralph and Jack as the boys’ fragile civilization begins to crumble. As fear of a mysterious "beast" on the island spreads, the boys' behavior becomes increasingly savage. Simon, a sensitive and thoughtful boy, discovers that the "beast" is not a creature but the boys’ own fear and inner darkness. When Simon tries to share this revelation, he is mistaken for the beast and brutally killed in a frenzied ritual. Piggy is later killed when Roger, one of Jack's followers, pushes a boulder at him, and Ralph is left to fend for himself as Jack’s tribe hunts him. The boys' descent into savagery is complete when they set the island ablaze in their pursuit of Ralph. The novel concludes with Ralph’s narrow escape. The boys are rescued by a naval officer, who is shocked by their transformation. The officer’s arrival underscores the contrast between the boys’ savage behavior and the expectations of civilized society. Themes: ​ Civilization vs. Savagery: The struggle between order and chaos is central, as the boys oscillate between maintaining societal norms and giving in to their primal instincts. ​ Human Nature: Golding explores the idea that evil resides within everyone and can emerge when societal structures collapse. ​ Loss of Innocence: The boys’ descent into violence represents the loss of childhood innocence. ​ Leadership and Power: The novel examines different styles of leadership and the consequences of power struggles. ANIMAL FARM BY GEORGE ORWELL Plot Summary: The story takes place on Manor Farm, where the animals are oppressed by their human owner, Mr. Jones. One night, Old Major, a wise and respected boar, gives a speech encouraging the animals to rebel against their human oppressors and take over the farm. Old Major’s vision is of a society where all animals are equal and free from human tyranny. He inspires the animals to revolt, which they do after Old Major's death, under the leadership of two pigs, Napoleon and Snowball. The animals successfully overthrow Mr. Jones and take control of the farm, renaming it "Animal Farm." They establish a set of commandments based on the idea that all animals are equal and should work together for the common good. However, power struggles soon arise, particularly between Napoleon and Snowball. Napoleon gradually takes control of the farm after driving Snowball out, using force and manipulation. As Napoleon consolidates power, the pigs begin to adopt the same corrupt behaviors as the humans they overthrew. They make deals with human farmers, change the commandments to suit their needs, and exploit the other animals. The once idealistic vision of equality turns into a dictatorship, and the animals find themselves working harder for less while the pigs enjoy the privileges of power. By the end of the novel, the pigs have become indistinguishable from humans, and the animals are left in the same, if not worse, situation than before. The final commandment, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," reflects the complete corruption of the original revolutionary ideals. Themes: ​ Power and Corruption: The novel shows how power can corrupt those who seek it and how revolutionary ideals can be distorted by leaders for personal gain. ​ Class Struggle and Inequality: Orwell critiques the ways in which social hierarchies and inequalities persist despite attempts to overthrow them. ​ The Dangers of Totalitarianism: The story highlights how totalitarian regimes manipulate language, propaganda, and fear to maintain control over the populace. ​ Betrayal of Ideals: "Animal Farm" illustrates how noble ideals can be betrayed by those in power, turning a revolution into a tyranny. RETRIEVED REFORMATION BY O.HENRY Plot Summary: Jimmy Valentine is released from prison after serving time for safe-cracking. Upon his release, he immediately returns to his old ways, cracking safes in various locations. A determined detective, Ben Price, begins tracking him. Jimmy travels to the small town of Elmore, Arkansas, where he plans another heist. However, his plans change when he meets and falls in love with Annabel Adams, the daughter of a local banker. To win her love and build an honest life, Jimmy adopts a new identity, Ralph D. Spencer, and opens a shoe store in Elmore. Jimmy’s transformation is genuine, and he prepares to give up his criminal past completely, even writing a letter to a friend to donate his safe-cracking tools. However, his past catches up with him when Ben Price arrives in town. The story's climax occurs at the bank when Annabel’s young niece accidentally locks herself in the bank’s new vault. With no other way to save her, Jimmy uses his safe-cracking skills to open the vault. Ben Price witnesses Jimmy’s act of selflessness but pretends not to recognize him, allowing Jimmy to continue his new life as Ralph Spencer. Themes: ​ Redemption and Transformation: The story highlights the possibility of personal change and the power of love and morality to inspire it. ​ Justice and Forgiveness: Ben Price’s decision to let Jimmy go reflects the theme of mercy over strict justice. ​ Identity: Jimmy’s struggle between his criminal past and his reformed identity as Ralph Spencer is central to the story.