Didn't get this book from the school library (though i think they have a copy), its actually my sisters that she received from high school when she was in the yr11 ADVANCED class (she didn't want to give it back hehe).
This book is a COMPLEX book. I really enjoyed this book because it challenged my understanding to the point where I had thoughts of closing the book. Because of this reason I would rate this book a 9/10 (coming from someone who has a limited imagination).
MAIN CHARACTERS :
RALPH - a twelve year old boy who is elected leader of a group. RALPH REPRESENTS the rational and civilized side of humanity (brains and limbs of a person, being the leader).
PIGGY - an overweight outsider, who because of his intelligent way of thinking is instantly considered as RALPHS "wing-man". He is known as a "LOSER" and because of these reasons and his appearance (weight and glasses), he is CONTINUOUSLY mocked. (PIGGY REPRESENTS the heart of a person, being the most caring and understanding person on the island)
JACK - one of the older boys who is the leader of the choir and thinks he is "TOP GUN". He is a bully that is jealous of RALPHS position as a leader. JACK REPRESENTS the animal in all of us which quickly turns into savagery. (the muscles of a person, being the one who just wants to DO without thinking).
SIMON - like PIGGY, SIMON is JACKS "wing-man".
LORD OF THE FLIES opens with a plane, full of British school boys who are fleeing from war, that has crashed on a deserted tropical island. With no adults surviving the crash, the boys are put to the test of survival, not only with their surroundings but with each other. RALPH is immediately elected leader and he lays down some objectives and rules. Being rescued is the most important thing until they realise there is no sign of rescue. JACK having a different way of being leader, splits the tribe into two, the HUNTERS (JACKS group) and those who want to get off the island (RALPHS group). Eventually, RALPHS group seems the better option to the HUNTERS, and the boys fall deeper and deeper into a life of VIOLENCE.
William Golding had an amazing perspective on man kinds violence and self destruction. He is an icon because of the way he portrayed this. I would recommend this book to those who are willing to extend their imagination.
You have chosen quite a challenging book. Not one of my favourites but Mr Houlahan loves it so it can't be all bad!! Is this all your personal response or did you do some research on the book?
ReplyDeletehehe my sister (the one who read the book) had to help me at some points to put my thoughts into words.
ReplyDeleteDid you actually read the book?? Or just ask your sister to tell you what it was about??? If you read it, it is OK to discuss it with someone else to clarify your thinking but your response should still be your own. If it was difficult to understand, be honest and say so. Try to explain why it was difficult. What are you reading next??
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