The story is set on a deserted island where a group of boys are stranded and left to fend for themselves. They soon discover that they are not alone on the island, and that there are no adults to supervise them. The boys initially attempt to maintain their civilized behavior and work together to survive. However, as time passes, they become more and more savage.
The main characters in the novel are Ralph, Piggy, and Jack. Ralph is the elected leader of the group, and he focuses on creating a society based on rules and order. Piggy is a intelligent but socially awkward boy who serves as Ralph’s advisor. Jack is the leader of the savage group, and he represents the primal instincts of human beings.
As the novel progresses, the boys’ behavior becomes increasingly violent and chaotic. They begin to hunt and kill animals for food, but this eventually leads to the senseless killing of another human being. The boys also become divided into two groups, with one group supporting Ralph and the other supporting Jack. The conflict between these two groups ultimately leads to the destruction of the society that they have tried to build.
Golding uses the symbol of the “Lord of the Flies” to represent the evil and corruption that exist within human beings. The “Lord of the Flies” is a pig’s head that is placed on a stick by the boys, and it becomes a physical manifestation of their collective fear and evil. The “Lord of the Flies” also represents the darkness and the brutality that exist within human beings, and it has a powerful influence on the boys’ behavior.
The novel is a commentary on the nature of human beings and the corrupting influence of society on humans. Golding suggests that human beings are inherently savage and violent, and that modern society only serves to suppress these primal instincts. When the boys are removed from society, they are free to act on their natural impulses without any consequences. This leads to their eventual descent into savagery.
In conclusion, Lord of the Flies is a thought-provoking novel that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Golding’s use of symbols and allegories convey the message that the primal instincts that govern human behavior cannot be suppressed indefinitely, and that society only serves to mask the true nature of human beings. The boys on the deserted island are a microcosm of the larger society, and their behavior reflects the inherent flaws and contradictions that exist within human society. As such, the novel remains a relevant and powerful commentary on the human condition.