Lord of the Flies & Island

William Golding described the theme of Lord of the Flies as, "an attempt to trace the defects of society back to the defects of human nature. The morals that the shape of a society must depend on the ethical nature of the individual and not on any political system however apparently logical or respectable." I agree with Golding, but I also wonder if their situation helped create the chaos. If Jack never went to the island, would he have become a killer? The question I asked myself was what would I do in a similar situation? I doubt I would spear someone, but I would probably keep quiet rather than try to reason with the mob out of fear. But then I am allowing fear to override morals. How do you think your would have reacted? What do you think happened to the boys when they returned home?

I'm not sure how this book ties into the show Lost, except to explain how the Others, who label people as good or bad, can kill for the island. There is a discussion here on Lostpedia - there is also a discussion on Slaughterhouse-Five if you are interested.

I've been reading Island, slowly. The beginning seems slow and difficult to follow. I liked their idea of a Mutual Adoption Club; where children are allowed to roam from family to family if their birth parents are not providing a good environment. I know many who would benefit from such an arrangement. What are your thoughts on the book so far?

Any suggestions for the next book?

Comments

[Patty]

I ordered a copy of Island through interlibrary loan and have still not received it. I will try to read it as soon as I can.

One book I just read which I think would give a lot to discuss is "A Good and Happy Child." It is about an 11-year-old boy who starts seeing a Friend no one else can see, after the death of his father. It is pretty suspenseful as the book explores whether the boy is insane or possessed by demons. It isn't scary, but just really interesting.

[just jenn]

1984?
ach. i keep saying i will read more, but then life happens... and no one really wants to read The Secret Servant for a book club, do they?