-
Essay / The lagoon in Lord of the Flies: a microcosm of society
Table of contentsThe lagoon as an oasis of hopeThe lagoon as a catalyst for savageryThe lagoon as a microcosm of societyConclusionBibliographyThroughout the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the lagoon serves as a pivotal setting that reflects the state of the boys' society on the desert island. The lagoon, with its calm waters and the wilderness that surrounds it, initially represents a sanctuary and source of sustenance for the boys. However, as the story progresses, the lagoon gradually transforms into a symbol of chaos and savagery. This essay will explore the importance of the lagoon in Lord of the Flies and its role in illustrating the deterioration of the boys' civilization. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get the original essay The Lagoon as an Oasis of Hope At the beginning of the novel, the lagoon is described as a safe haven for the boys, offering them a source water and food. Golding describes the lagoon as “a long silver pool that lost itself in the luminous tropical sea” (Golding 23). The sparkling waters and abundance of fish offer a glimmer of hope to the boys, stranded on the island without adult supervision. The lagoon also serves as a meeting place for the boys, where they can gather and discuss their survival plans. . It becomes a symbol of their attempts to maintain order and establish some semblance of civilization. This is evident when Ralph, the elected leader, calls a meeting at the lagoon to discuss building shelters. The lagoon acts as a physical space where the boys can organize and express their democratic ideals. Additionally, the serene atmosphere and natural beauty of the lagoon provide a feeling of comfort and relaxation for the boys. It becomes a place where they can momentarily escape the harsh realities of their situation. The clear waters and lush surrounding vegetation provide a temporary respite from the fears and anxieties that torment their minds. Golding writes: “Here the beach was abruptly interrupted by the square pattern of the landscape; a large platform of pink granite rose uncompromisingly through forest, terrace, sand, and lagoon to form a four-foot-high raised pier” (Golding 30). The lagoon, along with its picturesque surroundings, serves as a reminder of the boys' connection to nature and their desire to return to civilization. The lagoon as a catalyst for wildnessDespite its initial tranquility, the lagoon gradually becomes a catalyst for the boys' lives. descent into savagery. As their civilization collapses and their innate instincts take over, the lagoon becomes a place of violence and brutality. A crucial event that marks this change is the slaughter of the sow in the lagoon. The boys, led by Jack, succumb to their primal desires and engage in a frenzied act of violence. Golding describes the scene vividly: “They were dancing and laughing and shouting, and the little boys with blood-stained hands and faces were screaming and running around, urging each other to get up and fight” (Golding 135). The lagoon, once a peaceful refuge, today witnesses the boys' transformation into wild hunters. The murder of the sow symbolizes not only the boys' loss of innocence, but also their complete detachment from civilization. Additionally, the lagoon becomes associated with death and destruction as the novel progresses. This is where Simon's life is tragically taken. The boys, driven by fear and mistaken identity, brutally murder Simon, mistaking him for the beast. The lagoon, which was once a place of life and, 1954.