An allegory of human nature

A group of school boys are stranded on an island and try to organise their own society. Leaders and losers emerge as savagery takes over.

This 1954 classic has influenced the development of dystopian stories, leading to popular series like ‘The Hunger Games’.

I believe that at the time it was written it would have been quite shocking. Before ‘Lord of the Flies’, I think popular books featuring children were often very idyllic. Then ‘Lord of the Flies’ came and rocked the boat, showing children tactically battling one another. The darker implication being that within each of us is a selfish little savage, ready to hurt someone else for our own gain.

I didn’t enjoy this classic as much as I thought I would.

I was expecting more movement in the story, and descriptions of the island. The characters themselves were a bit basic, but I can see that they were representing archetypal aspects of human nature. The writing style was very straightforward, making it seem more like a script for a play.

It just didn’t make me feel very much. Does that mean I’ve already lost hope in humanity?

At least I had the enjoyment of ticking a classic off my reading list.

2 out of 5 conch shells.

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