The Very Unhappy Ending of Lord of The Flies

Imagine a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island, left to fend for themselves without any adult supervision. At first, it may seem like an adventurous tale of survival, but William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, takes a dark turn as the boys descend into savagery and chaos. The ending of this classic piece of literature is far from happy, as it reveals the true nature of humanity and the destructive power of unchecked impulses. This essay will delve into the very unhappy ending of Lord of the Flies, exploring the themes of civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, and the inherent evil within human beings.

The theme of civilization versus savagery is a central aspect of Lord of the Flies, and it becomes increasingly evident as the story progresses. In the beginning, the boys attempt to establish order and organize themselves by electing a leader and creating rules. However, as time goes on, the fragile structure of civilization crumbles, giving way to the primal instincts of the boys. This can be seen in the way they gradually abandon their roles and responsibilities, resorting to violence and murder. For instance, the character of Jack, who initially adheres to the rules, eventually succumbs to his savage desires and forms his own tribe, leading to the tragic demise of many characters. The ending of Lord of the Flies, therefore, highlights the failure of civilization in the face of innate savagery.

Moreover, the loss of innocence is another prominent theme in Lord of the Flies, which is evident in the ending of the novel. The boys start their time on the island as innocent children, but their experiences and exposure to the harsh realities of survival bring out their darker sides. As the story progresses, they become increasingly desensitized to violence and the taking of lives. This loss of innocence is most evident in the character of Roger, who, in the final chapters, releases a boulder that kills Piggy, one of the remaining symbols of civilization and rationality. The ending of Lord of the Flies serves as a stark reminder of the irreversible loss of innocence that can occur when individuals are removed from the constraints of society.

Furthermore, the ending of Lord of the Flies highlights the inherent evil within human beings. Throughout the novel, Golding presents the idea that evil resides within every individual, and it only takes the right circumstances for it to manifest itself. This dark aspect of humanity is portrayed through the gradual transformation of the boys from innocent children to bloodthirsty savages. The ending of the novel, with the boys being rescued by a naval officer, serves as a chilling juxtaposition between the evil they have exhibited on the island and the appearance of external authority. It suggests that the evil within human beings is not confined to isolated environments but exists within society as a whole.

In conclusion, the ending of Lord of the Flies is far from happy, as it delves into the depths of human nature and exposes the destructive power of unchecked impulses. The themes of civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, and the inherent evil within human beings are all explored in the final chapters of the novel. This unhappy ending serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the precarious balance between civilization and chaos, and the darkness that lies within each of us. Lord of the Flies provides a chilling portrayal of the potential consequences when the constraints of society are removed, and it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human morality.

Bibliography:

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Penguin Books, 1954.