To what extent is Lord of the flies a pessimistic book?

To what extent is Lord of the flies a pessimistic book?

Lord of the Flies highlights the flaws in human nature and shows how

they affect the societies we create. Lord of the flies has a

pessimistic atmosphere throughout. Although to begin with the book

seems to be quite positive, (the boys have fun and are optimistic

about being rescued) the atmosphere is slowly transformed into one of

savagery, fear and betrayal. The ending of the book leaves the reader

feeling pessimistic about human nature and sorry for Ralph.

The first time the boys meet together there is a positive atmosphere,

the boys are excited and their progress towards constructing a

civilized society makes us hopeful. They vote for a leader and Ralph

is chosen,' This toy of voting was almost as pleasing as the conch.'

The way both the conch and voting are expressed as 'Toys' reminds us

that these are small children. They need toys to keep them busy. It is

almost as if they are playing a game and this is Golding; first

ominous hint that there is trouble ahead- the language suggests that

the boys do not see the seriousness of the situation.

In chapter 1 Ralph Jack and Simon search the island. It seems

beautiful, 'every coign of the mountain held up trees-flowers and

trees'. This optimistic atmosphere is increased by the description of

the island and the mood of the boys, 'this time Ralph expressed the

intensity of his emotion by pretending to knock down Simon; and soon

they were a happy, heaving pile in the under-dusk.' However this is a

great contrast to later in the book, the violence becomes real rather

than playful when, 'Roger sharpened the stick at both ends.' The last

time this had been done was to stick a pig's head, which Jack and h...

... middle of paper ...

...ere

is evil within man. I think Golding's point is quite a realistic one,

society around us is shaped on the natures of the people with in it

and how easily they are swayed or how manipulative they are. If they

can manipulate many people they can do what they want and take

control, however if a person is easily swayed they would make a weak

leader. I found this book very interesting as it put forward many

interesting views and questions. I found it quite pessimistic. I think

this is because Golding concentrated on the flaws in mans nature

rather that the positive aspects. Maybe this is because Golding

thought that it is easier for man to do wrong than to do right and

that the brutality within can come out with less effort then it takes

to do good. Ralph certainly reflects my feelings when he 'wept for the

end of innocence and the darkness of man's heart.'