lord of the flies context Flashcards
What kind of novel is ‘Lord of the Flies’?
‘Lord of the Flies’ is an allegorical novel. This means there are a lot of symbols of real life.
Give a quote from William Golding that sums up his beliefs that laid the foundation for ‘Lord of the Flies’.
“every single one of us could be Nazi’s”
What was William Golding’s profession? What was his criticism in this field of work?
Golding was a teacher in an all boys primary school. He also joined Royal Navy in 1940.
He believed the discipline in British school systems was flawed because it made people fear doing bad for punishment rather than morality.
Who were Golding’s parents? What did they advocate for?
Golding’s mother supported the suffragettes and taught their teachings to Golding.
Golding’s father was also a school teacher and advocated rationalism (acting on knowledge rather than religion).
What did Golding do during World War II?
In 1940, Golding joined the Royal Navy. He served in command of a rocket-launcher and participated in the invasion of Normandy.
What did WWII teach Golding? Give a quote from him to support this.
WWII had a profound effect on Golding’s view of humanity and it showed him the evils that everyone is capable of. After the war, he said:
“man produces evil as a bee produces honey”
When was ‘Lord of the Flies’ written? How would this time frame have affected the novel?
Between 1953-4, when the novel was written, it was the very early years of the Cold War, where everyone feared for a WWIII. The likelihood of a nuclear war seemed high.
What is the direct translation of ‘Lord of the Flies’?
‘Lord of the Flies’ means beelzebub, or satan.
What is Sigmund Freud’s theory?
Freud’s theory
- the human mind is at a constant battle between three impulses
- the ID - instinctual needs and desires
- the ego - the conscious, rational mind
- the superego - the sense of morality
What is Abraham Maslow’s theory?
Maslow’s theory
- hierarchy of needs
- you cannot focus on the higher needs until the lower ones are met
self-actualisation (desire to become the best person you can be) confidence love and belonging safety food, water, sleep, sex, oxygen
What is the social control theory?
social control theory
- people keep themselves from acting immorally or committing crimes voluntarily
- this is due to the internalised moral code from society
What are feral children?
feral children
- children that have been isolated from human contact since a very young age
- have no association with society
