Lord of The Flies Mood

The mood permeates throughout the narrative, leaving a lasting impression on readers. The mood of the novel plays a significant role in shaping the story and exploring the dark aspects of human nature. From the very beginning, Golding expertly sets the stage for a descent into chaos and savagery. Through the use of vivid descriptions, symbolic imagery, and evocative language, Golding creates a mood that is both unsettling and thought-provoking.

One of the prominent moods: a sense of foreboding

From the moment the boys crash-land on the deserted island, an air of unease hangs over them. Golding's descriptions of the island and its surroundings contribute to this mood. He depicts the island as a place of isolation and desolation, with its dense jungle, harsh terrain, and hidden dangers. For example, when the boys first explore the island, Golding writes, "Beyond falls and cliffs there was a gash visible in a hill; this was the mouth of a cave" (Golding 39). The use of the word "gash" creates a sense of violence and danger, foreshadowing the horrors that will unfold later in the story.

Another prominent mood: growing tension and conflict

As the boys try to establish order and create a society, their inherent savagery and power struggles come to the forefront. Golding masterfully builds up this tension through the use of vivid descriptions and powerful imagery. For example, when the boys hunt a wild pig, the mood shifts from excitement to a dark and primal intensity. Golding writes, "The spear moved forward inch by inch and the terrified squealing became a high-pitched scream. Then Jack found the throat and the hot blood spouted over his hands" (Golding 135). The graphic and brutal description of the hunt creates a palpable sense of violence and aggression, foreshadowing the breakdown of civilization on the island.

Mood of despair and hopelessness

As the boys' attempts at civilization crumble and their primal instincts take over, the reader is left with a sense of inevitable doom. Golding's use of symbolism enhances this mood, particularly through the character of the "beast" that the boys fear. The "beast" represents the boys' inner darkness and their descent into savagery. Golding describes the boys' fear of the beast, saying, "The darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy" (Golding 143). The image of the "fall through the air" conveys a sense of hopelessness and the loss of innocence, contributing to the overall mood of despair.

Mood heightened by evocative language and lyrical descriptions

Golding's prose is rich with symbolism and metaphor, creating a vivid and haunting atmosphere. For example, when the boys are caught in a storm, Golding writes, "The rain ceased, and clouds drifted away, so that the sky was scattered once more with the incredible lamps of stars" (Golding 99). The use of the word "incredible" suggests a sense of awe and wonder, juxtaposed with the chaos and violence that surrounds the boys. This lyrical approach to language adds depth and complexity to the mood of the novel, engaging the reader on both an intellectual and emotional level.

The mood of Lord of the Flies plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and exploring the darker aspects of human nature. Through the use of vivid descriptions, symbolic imagery, and evocative language, William Golding creates a mood that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. The sense of foreboding, tension, despair, and hopelessness that pervades the novel leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Lord of the Flies serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of civilization and the potential for savagery that lies within us all.