In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, nature has been greatly emphasized and acts as a tool to help the reader gain a better understanding of the novel. Specifically, the ocean motif allows the reader to grasp the essence of the story as it represents the flow of life. Early in the novel the ocean is a source of pleasure and hope, but as the story unfolds the ocean takes on a more ominous tone.
Early on, the ocean seems “friendly,” providing a sense of hope for a safe rescue. The ocean is described as a beautiful paradise, “It was clear to the bottom and bright with the efflorescence of tropical weed and coral. A school of tiny, glittering fish flicked hither and thither” (12). Ralph loved to be in and around the ocean, and he even felt that the “water was warmer than his blood” (12). The ocean is described as very appealing, which creates a sense of hope for the boys that their experience on the island will not be too dismal. Ralph felt confident that his father would save …show more content…
The “beast” in the novel is the accumulation of the boys’ trepidation portrayed as an external force. Jack reported the angst of the boys, ‘“He says the beast comes out of the sea’” (88). The littluns have horrible nightmares about this creature and have trouble sleeping at night. Once the “beast” was associated to the ocean, the boys’ image of the water drastically changed, “Ralph turned involuntarily, a black, humped figure against the lagoon. The assembly looked with him, considered the vast stretches of water, the high sea beyond, unknown indigo of infinite possibility…” (88). The ocean is not inviting any longer and rather is depicted as a dark and a deadly place. Fearing the ocean reinforces the boys’ feeling of isolation and their inability to escape. Overall, the “beast” even illustrates the boys’ loss of civilization and their transformation into
Early on, the ocean seems “friendly,” providing a sense of hope for a safe rescue. The ocean is described as a beautiful paradise, “It was clear to the bottom and bright with the efflorescence of tropical weed and coral. A school of tiny, glittering fish flicked hither and thither” (12). Ralph loved to be in and around the ocean, and he even felt that the “water was warmer than his blood” (12). The ocean is described as very appealing, which creates a sense of hope for the boys that their experience on the island will not be too dismal. Ralph felt confident that his father would save …show more content…
The “beast” in the novel is the accumulation of the boys’ trepidation portrayed as an external force. Jack reported the angst of the boys, ‘“He says the beast comes out of the sea’” (88). The littluns have horrible nightmares about this creature and have trouble sleeping at night. Once the “beast” was associated to the ocean, the boys’ image of the water drastically changed, “Ralph turned involuntarily, a black, humped figure against the lagoon. The assembly looked with him, considered the vast stretches of water, the high sea beyond, unknown indigo of infinite possibility…” (88). The ocean is not inviting any longer and rather is depicted as a dark and a deadly place. Fearing the ocean reinforces the boys’ feeling of isolation and their inability to escape. Overall, the “beast” even illustrates the boys’ loss of civilization and their transformation into