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Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies. An introduction to the author and novel. William Golding – His life and influences. Born in Cornwall, England, 1911 Studied science and literature Sigmund Freud’s philosophy of psychoanalysis is popular

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Lord of the Flies

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  1. Lord of the Flies An introduction to the author and novel

  2. William Golding – His life and influences • Born in Cornwall, England, 1911 • Studied science and literature • Sigmund Freud’s philosophy of psychoanalysis is popular • Became a schoolmaster; through observation concluded that our civilized selves are somewhat fragile • Joined British Navy during WWII • Re-evaluated his view of human nature and questioned humanity

  3. William Golding continued • “I learned during WWII just how brutal people can be to each other. Not just Germans or Japanese, but everyone. I tried to point that out (in the novel). Some have said that the brutality of the novel is impossible. It’s not: look in any newspaper.” –Golding

  4. The Novel • Published 1954 • Attempts to show we all have potential for evil; defects of society can be traced to defects in man • The island is a microcosm; the problems there are the problems of the world. • Symbolism: what happens to civilized people when structures of civilization disappear • Title: a translation for the Hebrew word for Beelzebub: the devil, Satan

  5. Sigmund Freud and Psychoanalysis • A psychological interpretation of the novel • The human mind is comprised of three parts: • The ID • The EGO • The SUPEREGO • Each part has its own function, but the three interact to govern behavior

  6. The ID • Primitive part of our personality • Consists of basic biological needs and drives; instinctual • Need for food, drink, to avoid pain, obtain pleasure, aggression • Seeks immediate gratification of impulses

  7. The EGO • The executive or reality principle: This part of us says we can’t always satisfy our immediate impulses; there are consequences if we do. • Decides which actions are appropriate, which impulses will be satisfied • Delay gratification for appropriate environment • Mediates between the ID and the SUPEREGO

  8. The SUPEREGO • Represents values and morals of society taught by parents, teachers, etc. • Our conscience; it decides what is right and wrong • ID seeks pleasure, EGO tests reality, SUPEREGO strives for perfection • Under normal circumstances, the three work together to produce balance and allow us to operate in society

  9. Christian Interpretation • The island is likened to the Garden of Eden: innocent, pure, untouched • Concept of original sin symbolized by the scar • Christ figure • Satan and temptation evident throughout

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