What are you reading? Lord of the flies by William Golding

 Ana Melendo's contribution

This novel tells the story of a group of boys on a remote island after the plane they were traveling in crashed. First, I appreciated the rich language describing the abundant nature as well as the portrayal of the characters who are so different from each other. At first glance, the story doesn’t seem original, but without a doubt, it should rather be taken as an allegory of social relations. If we limit ourselves to reading it as the story of the adventures and misadventures of a group of boys, it is also very captivating. I won’t tell you more, but I strongly encourage you to discover it.

The Book

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William Golding’s Lord of the Flies (1954) remains one of the most striking allegories of human nature in modern literature. The novel tells the story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island who attempt to govern themselves, only to fall into violence and chaos. What begins as an innocent attempt at democracy quickly unravels, exposing fear, cruelty, and the fragile veneer of civilization. Golding suggests that darkness is not imposed from the outside but lies within every human being.

The book has generated intense discussion since its publication. Critics have interpreted it as a commentary on the brutality of war, a reflection on the failure of rational order, and a warning about unchecked instincts. It is often taught in schools because of its accessible narrative and deep symbolism, particularly in its treatment of power, morality, and the loss of innocence. Though sometimes controversial, Lord of the Flies has secured its place as a classic, shaping how readers and scholars think about human behavior under extreme conditions. Its haunting vision continues to resonate today, reminding us of the thin boundary between civilization and savagery.

The Author

William Golding (1911–1993) was an English novelist, playwright, and poet best known for his deeply symbolic fiction. Born in Cornwall, he studied English literature at Oxford and later became a teacher. His experience in the classroom, combined with his service in the Royal Navy during World War II, profoundly influenced his view of humanity and the themes that would define his writing.

Golding’s literary breakthrough came with the publication of Lord of the Flies in 1954, which established his reputation as a major voice in postwar literature. He continued to explore the complexities of human nature in novels such as The Inheritors (1955), Pincher Martin (1956), and The Spire (1964). His works often confront moral dilemmas, the tension between civilization and barbarism, and the destructive impulses hidden beneath social order.

In 1983, Golding was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for his ability to illuminate “the human condition in the world of today.” He was knighted in 1988 and remained a respected figure in English letters until his death in 1993. Golding’s legacy endures through his novels, which continue to challenge readers to reflect on the depths of human behavior.

The novel was adapted into a film in 1990. Lord of the Flies is an American survival drama film directed by Harry Hook. You can watch it in the attached YouTube video.