Lord of the Flies: Literary Modernism and Other Critical Approaches

Lord of the Flies, authored by William Golding and published in 1954, emerged as a pivotal work within the landscape of literary modernism. As the world grappled with the aftermath of World War II, Golding's novel addressed the darker aspects of human nature and societal constructs, which resonated with the modernist movement's themes of disillusionment, fragmentation, and existential inquiry. Through its exploration of the inherent savagery within humanity and its allegorical complexity, Lord of the Flies became a critical piece in the canon of modernist literature, offering profound insights into the human condition.

Human Nature

Golding's Lord of the Flies delves into the intrinsic aspects of human nature, questioning the veneer of civilization and the latent savagery that lies beneath. The novel's portrayal of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island serves as a microcosm for society, illustrating the collapse of order and the ascendancy of primal instincts in the absence of societal norms. This thematic exploration aligns with the modernist preoccupation with the inner workings of the human psyche and the existential dread that accompanies the realization of humanity's darker proclivities. The characters in the novel symbolize various facets of human nature and societal roles. Ralph, representing order and leadership, and Jack, embodying aggression and anarchy, epitomize the struggle between civilized behavior and primal instincts. Piggy, as the voice of intellect and reason, and Simon, with his innate goodness and spiritual insight, further enrich the narrative's exploration of human complexities. This intricate characterization and symbolism reflect the modernist emphasis on psychological realism and the subjective experience of individuals.

Allegorical and Symbolic Depth

Lord of the Flies is replete with allegorical and symbolic elements that contribute to its modernist essence. The novel's title itself is a reference to Beelzebub, a demon associated with chaos and evil, hinting at the underlying themes of the narrative. The conch shell symbolizes order and democratic power, while the "beast" represents the boys' collective fears and the manifestation of their inner savagery. The titular Lord of the Flies, a pig's head on a stick, becomes a powerful symbol of the inherent evil within humanity and the descent into barbarism. Golding's adept use of symbolism and allegory invites readers to engage in a deeper analysis of the text, resonating with the modernist approach to literature that often requires active interpretation and contemplation. The novel's rich tapestry of meanings and its capacity to evoke profound philosophical and ethical questions exemplify the modernist inclination towards complexity and ambiguity.

Reflection of Post-War Disillusionment

The publication of Lord of the Flies in the post-World War II era was significant, as it mirrored the widespread disillusionment and loss of faith in humanity that characterized the period. The horrors of the war, including the Holocaust and the atomic bombings, had shattered the belief in human progress and rationality. Golding's depiction of the boys' descent into savagery on the island resonates with the modernist critique of the Enlightenment ideals of reason and civilization. Through the narrative, Golding underscores the fragility of social order and the ease with which it can disintegrate, drawing parallels to the global conflicts and atrocities witnessed in the 20th century. The novel's bleak outlook on human nature and its depiction of the thin veneer of civilization align with the modernist themes of alienation, fragmentation, and existential despair.

Innovative Narrative Techniques

Lord of the Flies also incorporates innovative narrative techniques that contribute to its modernist credentials. Golding employs a third-person omniscient narrative voice that delves into the thoughts and emotions of the characters, providing a multifaceted perspective on the events unfolding on the island. This narrative style aligns with the modernist emphasis on psychological depth and the exploration of subjective realities. The novel's structure, with its episodic progression and shifts in focus among the characters, creates a sense of disorientation and fragmentation, reflecting the chaotic and uncertain nature of the boys' experiences. Golding's use of language, with its stark and often poetic descriptions, further enhances the novel's modernist aesthetic, capturing the beauty and terror of the island setting while conveying the emotional and psychological turmoil of the characters.

Enduring Impact and Legacy

The impact of Lord of the Flies on literary modernism extends beyond its initial publication, as its themes and ideas continue to resonate with contemporary readers and scholars. The novel's exploration of the human condition, its allegorical richness, and its reflection of post-war disillusionment have cemented its status as a seminal work in modernist literature. The enduring relevance of Lord of the Flies is evident in its continued presence in educational curricula and its adaptation into various media, including films, stage productions, and television shows. The novel's capacity to provoke critical thought and discussion on topics such as human nature, morality, and societal constructs ensures its place in the literary canon and its significance in the study of modernism.

Conclusion

Lord of the Flies by William Golding occupies a crucial position in the landscape of literary modernism, offering profound insights into the human condition through its exploration of inherent savagery, allegorical depth, and reflection of post-war disillusionment. Its innovative narrative techniques and rich symbolism invite readers to engage in a deeper analysis of the text, aligning with the modernist emphasis on complexity and ambiguity. The novel's enduring impact and relevance underscore its significance in the study of modernism and its contribution to the broader discourse on human nature and societal constructs. Through Lord of the Flies, Golding illuminated the complexities of the human experience, leaving an indelible mark on the world of literature and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

 

Applying Critical Approaches to Lord of the Flies

Modernist Approach

The modernist approach is highly effective in analyzing Lord of the Flies due to the novel’s themes of disillusionment and existential despair. The post-World War II context in which Golding wrote the novel is essential for understanding its modernist credentials. Modernism questions the Enlightenment ideals of reason and progress, emphasizing instead the fragmented and alienated human experience. Golding’s narrative techniques, such as the third-person omniscient point of view and the episodic structure, align with modernist storytelling. These techniques create a sense of disorientation and reflect the chaotic nature of the boys’ descent into savagery. The stark, poetic language used by Golding further enhances the modernist aesthetic, capturing the beauty and terror of the island while conveying the psychological turmoil of the characters.

Thematic Analysis

A thematic analysis of Lord of the Flies reveals its exploration of inherent human savagery and the fragile veneer of civilization. The novel serves as an allegory for the breakdown of social order and the ease with which humanity can revert to primal instincts. This theme is exemplified through the characters’ transformation from disciplined schoolboys to violent, primitive beings. The novel’s themes of power, control, and moral ambiguity can be further examined through a modernist lens. The struggle for power among the boys and the resulting chaos reflect the broader disillusionment with political and social institutions in the aftermath of global conflicts. The novel’s critique of civilization and its emphasis on the darker aspects of human nature align with modernist themes of alienation and fragmentation.

Psychoanalytic Approach

Applying a psychoanalytic approach to Lord of the Flies provides insight into the psychological motivations of the characters and the underlying unconscious forces driving their actions. Sigmund Freud’s theories of the id, ego, and superego are particularly relevant in analyzing the boys’ behavior on the island. The characters in the novel can be seen as representations of different aspects of the human psyche. Ralph, who strives to maintain order and civilization, embodies the ego, balancing the desires of the id and the moral constraints of the superego. Piggy, with his adherence to rules and rationality, represents the superego, the internalized moral standards. In contrast, Jack embodies the id, driven by primal instincts and the desire for power and dominance. The descent into savagery can be interpreted as the triumph of the id over the ego and superego, highlighting the fragility of civilized behavior and the ease with which it can be overwhelmed by unconscious desires. The novel’s exploration of fear, guilt, and aggression further aligns with psychoanalytic themes, offering a deeper understanding of the characters’ psychological development.

Structuralist Approach

Applying a structuralist approach to Lord of the Flies involves examining the underlying structures that shape the narrative and the characters’ interactions. Structuralism, rooted in the linguistic theories of Ferdinand de Saussure, focuses on the systems of signs and the relationships between elements within a text. In Lord of the Flies, this approach can reveal how Golding constructs meaning through binary oppositions, symbols, and archetypes.

One of the key binary oppositions in the novel is the conflict between civilization and savagery. This dichotomy is represented through the characters of Ralph and Jack, as well as through the contrasting settings of the beach and the forest. The conch shell, symbolizing order and authority, stands in opposition to the Lord of the Flies, representing chaos and primal instincts. By analyzing these oppositions, we can understand how Golding structures the narrative to explore the tension between societal norms and human nature. Additionally, the use of archetypes in Lord of the Flies aligns with structuralist principles. The characters can be seen as archetypal figures: Ralph as the leader, Piggy as the intellectual, and Jack as the tyrant. These archetypes function within a broader cultural framework, allowing readers to recognize universal patterns and themes. The island itself serves as an archetypal setting, a microcosm where the fundamental aspects of human behavior are played out.

Symbols such as the signal fire, the beast, and the painted faces further illustrate the structuralist approach. The signal fire symbolizes hope and connection to civilization, while the beast represents the inherent fear and evil within humans. The painted faces signify the loss of individual identity and the emergence of a collective, primal identity. By decoding these symbols and their relationships, we gain deeper insights into the novel’s thematic concerns. By employing a structuralist approach, we can dissect the intricate web of signs and structures that Golding weaves into Lord of the Flies, ultimately enhancing our understanding of its enduring significance and the complexities of human nature.

 

Bibliography

·       Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. London: Faber and Faber, 1954.

·       Freud, Sigmund. The Ego and the Id. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1923.

·       Saussure, Ferdinand de. Course in General Linguistics. Edited by Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1959.

·       Baker, James R. "Golding and Huxley: The Fables of Demonic Possession." Texas Studies in Literature and Language, vol. 1, no. 4, 1959, pp. 580-589.

·       Boyd, S.J. "The Nature of Man in Lord of the Flies." College English, vol. 25, no. 5, 1964, pp. 368-370.

·       Woodward, Kathleen. "Lord of the Flies: A Structuralist Approach." Journal of Modern Literature, vol. 6, no. 2, 1977, pp. 181-195.