Exploring The Treasure Island Allusion in Lord of The Flies: a Symbolic Journey

When we think about classic literature, certain titles leap to mind for their impact and lasting influence. Among these are Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" and William Golding's "Lord of the Flies." While the two novels might seem worlds apart at first glance—one being an adventurous tale of pirates and treasure, and the other a dark exploration of human nature—the connections between them run deeper than one might expect. In this essay, I’ll delve into the allusions from "Treasure Island" found within "Lord of the Flies," exploring how Golding’s work can be seen as a response to Stevenson’s adventure narrative while also reflecting on broader themes such as civilization versus savagery, leadership, and morality.

The Quest for Treasure: More Than Just Gold

"Treasure Island" is fundamentally about adventure—the thrill of searching for buried gold, encountering treachery along the way, and ultimately discovering one's own moral compass in a world filled with greed. The protagonist, Jim Hawkins, embarks on a journey that is both literal and metaphorical; it reflects not only his search for treasure but also his coming-of-age story in which he learns about loyalty, bravery, and betrayal.

In contrast, "Lord of the Flies" presents its characters—young boys stranded on an uninhabited island—with a different type of quest: not for material wealth but for identity and power. When Ralph calls the initial meeting after they crash-landed on the island, he assumes leadership through charisma rather than brute strength. This dynamic hints at what Stevenson wrote about in "Treasure Island," where characters often struggle with their motivations. The allure of power can easily corrupt even those with noble intentions.

Leadership: A Double-Edged Sword

The leaders in both narratives face pivotal choices that reveal their true natures. In "Treasure Island," we see Captain Smollett embodying disciplined leadership against Long John Silver’s manipulative charisma. His experience teaches Jim valuable lessons about authority—sometimes straightforwardness is more effective than cunning manipulation.

In "Lord of the Flies," Ralph initially resembles Captain Smollett through his democratic approach; however, as chaos ensues among the boys—particularly under Jack's authoritarian rule—we see how quickly civility can erode into savagery. Here lies another allusion to Stevenson's work: just like Silver masks his true intentions behind charm and wit, Jack captivates others through fear tactics rather than sound reasoning. Both stories present us with leaders who navigate complex moral landscapes—showcasing that authority comes with responsibility but can easily devolve into tyranny when fear replaces respect.

The Nature of Evil

One stark theme found in both novels is humanity’s inherent capacity for evil or savagery—the idea that underneath civilized behavior lies a primal instinct waiting to emerge given the right circumstances. In “Treasure Island,” this theme is woven into character arcs such as Long John Silver’s duality; despite portraying himself as trustworthy initially, he ultimately embodies treachery when pursuing his self-interests.

"Lord of the Flies" takes this exploration further by positing that without societal constraints—like rules or parental guidance—even innocent children can descend into barbarism (evidenced by Roger’s violent acts). The conch shell serves as a powerful symbol within this narrative: representing order at first but eventually losing its power as chaos reigns supreme among them—a striking parallel to how treasure transforms from something hopeful into mere folly throughout Stevenson’s tale.

The Allure vs Reality: Idealism Crushed by Experience

Both novels challenge romanticized views associated with adventure; while “Treasure Island” may give readers an exhilarating sense of discovery filled with camaraderie among pirates—a closer look reveals betrayal lurking beneath every moment spent on land or sea—and similarly explores loss upon realizing adulthood's complexities post-adventure.

This theme resonates strongly within “Lord Of The Flies” too; Golding depicts boys’ descent from innocence through horrific experiences faced during their time isolated from civilization—a reminder that no amount golden opportunity guarantees safety nor happiness once stripped away from societal norms!

Conclusion: An Interconnected Narrative

Through examining allusions between these two literary masterpieces—it becomes apparent how intertwined our understanding regarding civilization/savagery truly is! As readers reflect upon these texts together—they open dialogue around morality & human nature itself—ultimately questioning if mankind remains inherently good despite facing adversities encountered along life journeys?

This juxtaposition leaves us pondering fundamental truths behind each author’s intent while showcasing varied interpretations across genres—from thrilling adventures full hope yet mingled darkness woven deep inside tales! By holding up mirrors reflecting contrasting elements shared amongst characters navigating unknown waters—we gain insights not only valuable concerning respective works but also poignant lessons applicable beyond pages explored!

• Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Faber & Faber Ltd., 1954.
• Stevenson, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. Cassell & Company Ltd., 1883.
• Parker, Richard B., et al., eds. A Companion to William Golding's Lord Of The Flies: Analyzing Themes And Contexts Through Selected Quotations And Interpretations - 2020 Edition London Publishing Partnership
• Mason Simon E.B.”Pirate Symbols And Allegories.” Children Literature Studies Summer 2009 Volume I Issue II [Available Online]