The Mysterious Plane Crash in Lord of The Flies

Why did the plane crash in Lord of the Flies? This question lingers throughout William Golding's novel as a group of young boys find themselves stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The plane crash serves as a catalyst for the boys' descent into savagery and the loss of civilization. While the novel does not explicitly provide the reasons behind the crash, it offers several hints and possibilities. This essay will explore the enigma of the plane crash in Lord of the Flies, examining potential causes and the symbolic significance it holds within the narrative.

The Uncertainty of the Plane Crash

From the very beginning of the novel, the circumstances surrounding the plane crash are shrouded in ambiguity. The boys themselves are unsure of what happened, as evidenced by their scattered recollections. Ralph, one of the main characters, mentions that the plane was attacked and shot down, while another boy believes that the pilot had a heart attack. These conflicting accounts reflect the disoriented state of the boys and create an atmosphere of uncertainty that permeates the entire story.

One possible interpretation of the plane crash is that it represents the collapse of the adult world and the boys' abandonment. The fact that the boys are left to fend for themselves without any adult supervision reinforces this notion. The absence of concrete information about the crash mirrors the absence of authority and order on the island, allowing the boys to descend into chaos and savagery.

The Power of Nature

Another perspective on the plane crash in Lord of the Flies is that it symbolizes the power of nature and its indifference to human existence. Throughout the novel, the island is described as a place of beauty and mystery, but also as a dangerous and unpredictable force. The crashing of the plane can be seen as nature's way of asserting its dominance over human civilization.

The boys' struggle to survive in the wilderness further emphasizes this theme. They are confronted with the harsh realities of nature, such as the lack of food and the constant threat of wild animals. The plane crash serves as a reminder of their vulnerability and insignificance in the face of nature's power.

The Loss of Innocence

One of the most prominent themes in Lord of the Flies is the loss of innocence. The plane crash can be seen as the catalyst for this loss, as it separates the boys from the safety and comfort of their homes and plunges them into a world of violence and darkness.

At the beginning of the novel, the boys attempt to establish a sense of order and civilization, but as time goes on, they succumb to their primal instincts and abandon their moral values. The plane crash, with its unknown cause and the subsequent disarray it brings, represents the rupture of their innocence and the descent into savagery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the plane crash in Lord of the Flies is an enigmatic event that holds symbolic significance within the narrative. While the reasons behind the crash remain uncertain, it serves as a catalyst for the boys' descent into savagery and the loss of civilization. The ambiguity surrounding the crash mirrors the disoriented state of the boys and highlights the absence of authority and order on the island. Additionally, the plane crash symbolizes the power of nature and its indifference to human existence, as well as the loss of innocence experienced by the boys. Overall, the plane crash in Lord of the Flies is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the unfolding of the novel's themes and serves as a reminder of the fragility of human civilization.

Bibliography

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