Lagoon in Lord of The Flies: a Microcosm of Society

Throughout William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, the lagoon serves as a pivotal setting that reflects the state of the boys' society on the deserted island. The lagoon, with its calm waters and surrounding wilderness, initially represents a sanctuary and a source of sustenance for the boys. However, as the story progresses, the lagoon gradually transforms into a symbol of chaos and savagery. This essay will explore the significance of the lagoon in Lord of the Flies and its role in illustrating the deterioration of the boys' civilization.

The Lagoon as an Oasis of Hope

At the beginning of the novel, the lagoon is portrayed as a safe haven for the boys, providing them with a source of water and food. Golding describes the lagoon as "a long, silvered pool that lost itself in the bright tropical sea" (Golding 23). The sparkling waters and the abundance of fish offer a glimmer of hope for the boys, who are stranded on the island without any adult supervision.

The lagoon also serves as a meeting place for the boys, where they can gather and discuss their plans for survival. It becomes a symbol of their attempts to maintain order and establish a semblance of civilization. This is evident when Ralph, the elected leader, calls for a meeting at the lagoon to discuss the construction of shelters. The lagoon acts as a physical space where the boys can organize themselves and express their democratic ideals.

Furthermore, the lagoon's serene atmosphere and natural beauty provide a sense of comfort and relaxation to the boys. It becomes a place where they can momentarily escape the harsh realities of their situation. The clear waters and the surrounding lush vegetation offer a temporary respite from the fears and anxieties that plague their minds. Golding writes, "Here the beach was interrupted abruptly by the square motif of the landscape; a great platform of pink granite thrust up uncompromisingly through forest and terrace and sand and lagoon to make a raised jetty four feet high" (Golding 30). The lagoon, along with its picturesque surroundings, acts as a reminder of the boys' connection to nature and their longing for a return to civilization.

The Lagoon as a Catalyst for Savagery

Despite its initial tranquility, the lagoon gradually becomes a catalyst for the boys' descent into savagery. As their civilization crumbles and their innate instincts take over, the lagoon becomes a site of violence and brutality.

One pivotal event that marks this shift is the killing of the sow at the lagoon. The boys, led by Jack, succumb to their primal desires and engage in a frenzied act of violence. Golding vividly describes the scene: "They were dancing, and laughing, and crying out, and the little boys with the blood stained hands and faces screamed and ran round, urging each other to stand and fight" (Golding 135). The lagoon, once a peaceful refuge, now witnesses the boys' transformation into savage hunters. The killing of the sow not only symbolizes the boys' loss of innocence but also their complete detachment from civilization.

In addition, the lagoon becomes associated with death and destruction as the novel progresses. It serves as the location where Simon's life is tragically taken. The boys, driven by fear and mistaken identity, brutally murder Simon, mistaking him for the beast. The lagoon, which was once a place of life and renewal, now becomes a haunting reminder of the boys' capacity for violence and the consequences of their actions.

The Lagoon as a Microcosm of Society

The transformation of the lagoon from a peaceful sanctuary to a site of chaos mirrors the broader deterioration of the boys' society. The lagoon serves as a microcosm of their civilization, reflecting the gradual breakdown of order and the rise of savagery.

Initially, the boys establish rules and assign responsibilities to maintain a sense of order on the island. The lagoon becomes a symbol of their attempts to create a functioning society, where decisions are made collectively and conflicts are resolved through democratic means. However, as the boys succumb to their primal instincts, the lagoon becomes a battleground where power struggles and violence prevail.

Moreover, the lagoon reflects the boys' loss of connection to the outside world and their descent into a primitive existence. The lagoon, with its beautiful surroundings and abundant resources, represents the potential for civilization and a return to normalcy. However, as the boys become increasingly detached from their previous lives, the lagoon becomes a symbol of their isolation and their regression into a state of nature.

Conclusion

The lagoon in Lord of the Flies serves as a powerful symbol that encapsulates the boys' journey from hope to despair, from civilization to savagery. Initially, it represents a sanctuary and a source of sustenance, offering a glimmer of hope in their desperate situation. However, as their civilization crumbles and their primal instincts take over, the lagoon becomes a site of violence and chaos. It serves as a microcosm of their society, reflecting the gradual breakdown of order and the loss of their connection to civilization. The transformation of the lagoon mirrors the boys' loss of innocence and their descent into savagery. Ultimately, the lagoon in Lord of the Flies serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility of civilization and the darkness that lurks within human nature.

Bibliography

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Faber and Faber, 1954.