In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the island serves as a multifaceted symbol that encapsulates the themes of civilization, savagery, and the loss of innocence. Initially, the island represents a paradise, a place free from the constraints and corruption of society. It is depicted as beautiful and untouched, where the boys can indulge in their youthful freedom.
As the story progresses, however, the island transforms into a microcosm of human nature and societal breakdown. The boys’ initial attempts to establish order and governance quickly deteriorate as savagery takes over. This shift illustrates the inherent darkness within humanity, suggesting that when left to their own devices, individuals may revert to primal instincts. The island, thus, becomes a dual symbol: a paradise that deteriorates into a nightmarish landscape as civility crumbles.
Furthermore, the island’s isolation amplifies the themes of alienation and the struggle for power among the boys. It acts as both a sanctuary and a prison, highlighting the complex relationship between freedom and the eventual descent into chaos. Golding uses the island to explore the fragile nature of civilization and the underlying savagery that lurks within us all.