1. William Golding’s Masterpiece 1911- 1993
Lord of the Flies
William Golding’s Masterpiece

2. Author and Context
William Golding was born on September 19, 1911 in England
1940 Golding joined the Royal Navy
Participated in D-Day
Experience in WWII had a profound effect on his view of humanity and the evils of which it was capable.
His first and greatest success came with Lord of the Flies (1954)

3. About the Novel Set in mid 1940’s when Europe engulfed in war.
A plane carrying British school boys is mistaken for a military craft and shot down.
Only the boys survive the crash, and try to form a society and govern themselves.

5. The Island

6. Themes Civilization vs. Savagery Loss of Innocence Original Sin
Fear that separates one from God
Nature of Good and Evil
Goodness is rare and fleeting
Absolute Power

7. Symbols in the Novel The Conch- Piggy’s Glasses- Lord of the Flies-
Fire Signal-

8. Modern Day Allusions Allusion- (n.) an indirect reference to something
There are many, many modern day allusions to Lord of the Flies in popular culture.
For example….

9. The Simpsons
The Simpson’s episode titled Das Bus is a parody of Lord of the Flies.

10. Survivor
MarK Burnett’s CBS island show is said to have been inspired by LOTF.

11. Sponge Bob Squarepants
The episode Club Spongebob is a spoof of LOTF.

12. Popular Music
Bands such as Taking Back Sunday, Nine Inch Nails, AFI, Iron Maiden, Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd have written songs about or have alluded to LOTF in their music.

13. Plot Overview Video