The Beast Within
Uploaded by butterfee on Apr 06, 2001
Lord of the Flies, awarded the Nobel Prize for literature is considered a modern classic.
What makes this novel so interesting and realistic is the fact that it parallels with the real world.
The point that Golding was trying to make was that evil is inside all of us. He used this novel to express to the readers his thoughts on the matter, which was that to defeat the evil inside yourself, you have to admit that it is there. Simon managed to face the beast inside him. But unfortunately, since the other boys still believed that the beast was a living, breathing creature, it resulted in the death of Simon.
When comparing the characters in the book to real people, it is not hard to see the similarities.
Simon was the first and only one to realise the real beast on the Island. He could be compared to someone like a priest or a good samaraton – someone who tries his best to convince everyone of what’s right.
The beast was harmless and horrible; and the news must reach the others as soon as possible. Page 162
Jack is more like someone from a cult of some description. He quite easily convinces everyone on the Island that there is a big horrible beast roaming around the place, which is ready to attack and kill at anytime. Jack got all the boys on his side by using scare tactics.
Ralph, in some ways, parallels a school teacher. He always tries to do what is in the best interest of the community, but sometimes is over powered by the majority and gives in. In over words, he does his best to keep order and peace, but of course can’t all the time because of disagreements, stubbornness and rebellion.
It is hard to find a perfect match for Piggy. He is full of sensible, bright ideas, but because he is fat, a nerd and wears glasses, no one will listen to him except for Ralph. He was also kind of irritating. For example, he followed the rules too much. If something wasn’t done the way he knew was right, he would get all irate. Then, of course, when it went wrong, Piggy had no hesitation in telling people that he could’ve done it better.
When the twins first discovered the dead airman on the top of the mountain, they assumed it was a beast and ran to tell the...