Novel Review - Lord of the Flies

"Innocence always calls mutely for protection when we would be so much wiser to guard ourselves against it: innocence is like a dumb leper who has lost his bell, wandering the world, meaning no harm." In the novel, Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, many themes take place. One of the most evident themes is loss of innocence. The boys' survival instincts turn the boys into savage beings. At the beginning of the novel the boys are happy to be on such a beautiful island without parents and adults. Later on in the novel, the boys become controlling and cruel. They turn against each other causing deaths and confusion. Many symbols are represented throughout the novel that represent each boy with innocence. Ralph and Jack are very different kids. At the end of the novel all of them begin to think they will never be saved.

At the beginning of the novel all the kids act as a community. "'We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything." When the boys arrive on the island, they are excited because no adults are around. They decide to choose a leader and the boys choose Ralph. Ralph keeps everybody busy. Nobody is fighting and everyone is happy. For example, they have a group of boys for an each different chore. Like building the shelters, lighting the signal fire, and finding food. Also, Ralph calls the meetings discussing what they need to do in the future while on the island.

Jack and Ralph are very different throughout the novel. Jack is more demanding and wants to get his way. He became jealous of Ralph and created his own community known as the hunters. Jack thought he was better than Ralph when he killed the first pig. Jack is considered a savage. Ralph on the other hand is more calm and mature than Jack. He cares about everybody and wants everyone to be safe. "The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island; great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body. His voice rose under the black smoke before the burning wreckage of the island; and infected by that emotion, the other little boys began to shake and sob too. And in the middle of them, with filthy body, matted hair, and un-wiped nose, Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy." This quote is proof of Jacks tribes' beings. The people of Ralphs' group would never kill, but Jacks tribe would. Jacks tribe has reached savagery.

Symbols that represent loss of innocence are the pig. When Jack kills the pig, he feels empowered and above all the rest. At the end of the novel, Ralph has matured and realized that they will be found at some point. Jack on the other hand doesn't care what happens and is happy where he is and who is