Lord of the Flies - Movie Review Example

Lord of the Flies by William Golding is an intense novel that portrays human psychology and its myriad socio-political and emotional dimensions. It sensitively juxtaposes the goodness of human nature against its more primitive behavior that is wild and thrives on tyranny and violence. It is set against the background of isolated island where group of young boys are marooned when the British plane that was evacuating them from the warzone crashes. The author’s allegorical depiction of conflicting human impulses and hidden dynamics of the societal norms, underpin the survival behavior of the children.

The interplay across the characters of the novel and the portrayal of their fears are imaginatively mixed with the inherent spirit of adventure of the young boys who want to revel in the freedom. The instinct of survival reveals varying facets of human relationship and emergence of symbols that highlight the changing nature of interaction. While the conch depicts coherence and need to evolve democratic process of living in harmony, the fears and concept of beast reflect the primitive nature of man that wants to break free from the constraints of social guidelines and conformity.

Ralph, the protagonist is always trying to work in civilized manner, whereas Jack defies the discipline and is not averse to show his basic instinct of violence. His metamorphosis into primitive man with painted face exposes the violence in human nature that is forever lurking beneath the humane face. Author expertly shows the competitive nature of human beings where the innocents often become the victims of circumstances as had happened to Piggy, Simon and the little ones in the novel who were killed.

The book is indeed, a landmark contribution to the literary world that reflects varying perspectives of human civilization and behavior. (words: 292)ReferenceGolding, William. The Lord of the Flies. London: Faber and Faber, 1954.