Lord Of The Flies

[TopHaggardDoll]

I've read this book twice now and it is one of the best books I have ever read, when you read it you can really grasp why it is a classic because it can apply to any generation. When you read between the lines you actually understand the meaning of "There is nothing to fear but fear itself". That fear and hysteria is a result of other people and their imaginations. What they have told you to fear.
William Golding captured the way young boys are perfectly.

10 out of 10, mate!

[Nevan]

I read the book a couple years ago - anyway, it made me think a lot about human nature in the absence of authority / leadership - can't really think long enough now to explain. It's one of those books you can read over and over and everytime you'll spot something different.

There was a pretty disturbing movie based on the book as well - seen it by any chance?

[Drake Dun]

One of the strongest ending lines I have ever read.

Drake

[thedoll]

The book shook me up more than the movie, it was pretty intense thinking about what happens when survival mode kicks in.

[TopHaggardDoll]

Originally Posted by Nevan

I read the book a couple years ago - anyway, it made me think a lot about human nature in the absence of authority / leadership - can't really think long enough now to explain. It's one of those books you can read over and over and everytime you'll spot something different.

There was a pretty disturbing movie based on the book as well - seen it by any chance?

Yeah, I read it two years ago and found the book again this week. You're right about finding something different every time. The saddest thing, I think is, is that Piggy dies without you ever knowing his name.... !

I have seen parts of it...not all. I want to see all of it, definately.

[Methadrine]

The black & white movie rendition of the book is way better than the modern version. Just a tip...

[Godslayer Jillian]

It makes you cry. Makes you think there's, after all, not much hope for humanity.

[KontanKarite]

I loved it. I should read it again. I think I was too young or maybe it was because it was a school assignment for me to read it. So I should really give it an honest read.

[Breathless Horror]

I'm required to read it for english class this year. I'm not done yet, but so far my favorite part has to be the part where Simon starts going a little crazy and talks to the head on a stick.

[Clockwork]

It's an interesting book. Not bad, in any case. I greatly enjoyed the conversation with the severed pig head on a stick, and perhaps a few other smaller parts. The book didn't make me think about anything I hadn't already, however.

[††BlackRose††]

I read this book before and I had to read it again for my english class. We were discussing the symbolism and how they even incorporated symbolisms of a demon in the book. I loved the symbolism in the book, I thought I was being a nerd, but I like things that have a lot of significant symbolism.

I've seen one of the more recent movies, not the original black and white one.

[Stuporman]

Originally Posted by TopHaggardDoll

William Golding captured the way young boys are perfectly.

No truer words. When I was eleven or so, my parents made me go to sports summer camp, which I have no reason not to believe was run by a sick Golding enthusiast who felt it was a good idea to recreate the atmosphere of the novel IRL. I almost got the Simon Treatment on several occasions, but my only salvation was the few adults there who got paid to keep anyone from mistaking me for the Beast for too long.

[HumanePain]

I saw the original black and white film as a child and it gave me terrible nightmares. I will have to add the book to my collection. Thanks for reminding me.

[TopHaggardDoll]

I really want to see the film now.

I must find it!!!!

[Opteron_Man]

that was a powerfull story! very very deep.

[Alexander IV]

Ive always wanted to read this book
but I wasnt sure if I should get it or not
because I didnt know if it was good or not but now I think Ill check it out.

[StasisInDarkness]

I read this book when I was young (which, I suppose, is apropos considering the age of the protagonists), but I'd certainly love to read it again...

[Apathy's_Child]

Originally Posted by TopHaggardDoll

William Golding captured the way young boys are perfectly.

He did, but it's not just about kids, it's about humanity. That's why there's a war going on in the background, a chilling precursor for what such kids (and by extension all kids) will be capable of when they're older. That's what I think anyway. You're right, it's a beautiful book.

Also (I forget who I'm even quibbling with) I don't think it's just about absence of authority, but about authority's inability to contain the savagery of human nature. I mean, Ralph seems to represent order, but even he comes dangerously close to being seduced by Jack's way of life in places. They all play at order before they play at war, but it's not enough.

We're all a bunch of fucking animals, even the better ones among us, and Golding does a great job of showing it.

[IsolatedReptile]

From what I understood it was supposed to be a demonstration on the Id, Ego, and Superego. In Golding's opinion, the Id would win if ever order should be lost.

So the truth is, without order, we will resort to chaos.

[Apathy's_Child]

That's one interpretation. But even if you look at it that way, it's not so much that order is lost in the sense of becoming absent (Ralph and Piggy, joint superego poster kids, are still present when it all goes bad) as that there is a danger that the superego can be seduced by the id. I love that you can apply so many interpretations and they all fit perfectly. I also like the idea of body / mind / spirit symbolism, with Ralph and Piggy as the intellect (mind), Jack as the animalistic side (body) and Simon as the visionary (spirit).