Here is an outline with key quotations:
I. Why do Societies Fall Apart?
This question is asked by the novel’s protagonist, Ralph, on two separate occasions (pages 82 and 139). In Ralph’s words, “what makes things break apart like they do?”
This is one of the core questions of the novel and is a question of importance for human communities in all times and places.
II. Forming a Political Community
The boys can build their government from scratch. What form of government will they choose?
From page 22:
”Let’s have a vote.”
”This toy of of voting was almost as pleasing as the conch. Jack started to protest but the clamor changed from the general wish for a chief to an election by acclaim of Ralph himself. None of the boys could have found good reason for this…there was a stillness about Ralph…there was his size, and attractive appearance.”
Form of Government: Democratic Monarchy or Parliamentary Monarchy
From page 33: “We can’t have everybody talking all at once. We’ll have to have hands up like at school.”
A conch is given to the person who speaks. There is thus supposed to be an equal opportunity to speak under the ”law”. This sustains the democratic element of the monarchy.
Jack points to the need to enforce the rules: ”We’ll have rules, lots of rules! Then when anyone breaks ‘em—BONG!”
III. The Principles of their Political Community
Ralph says: “We want to have fun. And we want to be rescued.” (page 37)
Do you see any tension between these principles?
Ralph (and Piggy) embody reason alone; Jack embodies force and willfulness.
Jack says: “See, they do what I want.” (page 179)
IV. The Lord of the Flies or The Beast
Simon: “What I mean is…maybe it’s only us?” (page 89)
The Lord of the Flies in Simon’s vision: “Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are as they are?” (page 143)
V. Is the Deus ex Machina Ending Fitting?
Yes. The boys never fully confront that they are the source of their misery. Being lifted out of their problems through no virtue of their own makes it so that they never have to face up to this.
LIT 101: Lord of the Flies by William Golding