Did you enjoy Lord of the Flies?
By Fidget
@Fidget (291)
February 3, 2008 1:48pm CST
I studied 'Lord of the Flies' for my English Literature GCSE. Initially, I really did not enjoy the novel. I'm not sure if it is because the task of reading the book was forced on me, or that I rush-read and did not take it all in. However, re-reading the book and studying it in greater detail, I found that I really begun to enjoy the book. The imagery was really clear and I was surprised to find myself to be considering the book as a really good read rather than a chore.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and am glad that I was made to look at it in further detail rather than just dismissing it on first impressions.
What did you make of the book?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@alicemonster (16)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I've got to agree that I at first didn't like it, because I was compelled to read it for a class -- but isn't that always the case?
And yes, I agree with comments that it's a creepy book, a disturbing book, but I look back on it now and I can say that I liked it. Maybe I didn't enjoy it while I was reading it, but that's not the response the author was going for -- not all books are meant to make you happy. I was certainly very engaged with the book, because of how frightening it was... maybe that's more the author's goal, in this particular case. I don't know, it's been a while since I read it; what would you say the author's goal was?
1 person likes this
@Fidget (291)
•
10 Mar 08
I think that the author used the story to explore human nature, what it is that makes people civilised, and what happens when the framework that makes us civilised is taken away. By using school boys rather than adults it makes it easier to strip the framework of civilisation as to begin with all the boys are generally equal and there is not exisiting hierachy. Plus, with a youthful group they are at the bottom rung of civilisations framework as they are use to being told what to do as they have yet to reach an age of responsibility when they work with and within the framework to maintain it. Of course, there are some basic elements that they are aware of and initially keep such as voting. I suppose it could be seen as an expolration of anarchy and a dismissal of the plausability of anarchy as a workable system.
@kothad (29)
• India
15 Mar 08
the thing is that the novel challanges our believes about humanity and human nature. we are so narcissistic that we want to believe man as inherently good and cultured.just like Wordsworth assumed that the human child carries the heavenly glory with him...the novel the lord of the flies is disturbing because it shatters all these romantic assumptions. it forces us to realize that culture is something politically and historically constructed and not the human essence, that just like any animal human survival instinct is also essentially violent.
@sassygirlanne007 (4517)
• United States
3 Feb 08
I really didn't care for it. I had to read it in my freshman English class. I didn't really read it all, I used spraknotes for some of it. But it just wasn't a book that got me interested in it.
1 person likes this
@Fidget (291)
•
14 Feb 08
If it wasn't for the fact we actually had to read some of it in class I would have probably done the same, so I am glad of the enforced reading for once. However, there are books I've not particulary cared for, been made to read more of and eneded up despising so I suppose I was just lucky for once! (and yay for sparknotes, lol).
@shyamlal (3533)
• India
1 Mar 09
I just now saw the last scenes of the 1990 movie made on this novel..And I liked it and I am looking forward to read the novel too..
@susieq223 (3742)
• United States
3 Feb 08
I hated the book. I'm sure the writing is excellent--it is a considered a classic, after all. But I like to read for enjoyment and this book is not enjoyable. I don't like to think of humans being so cruel. (I know they are and that the book represents a good insight into human nature, but I just don't want to have to read about it!)
1 person likes this
@Fidget (291)
•
14 Feb 08
I know the feeling! I like to read as an escape, mainly from day to day stuff which is why I alsways try to avoid non-contemporary settings. I know some people go on about being challenged and if it makes us uncomfortable then it's good blahblahblah but it's our spare time, we should be allowed our comfort zones!
@Farside604 (870)
• Canada
7 Feb 08
I really liked this book. The main reason i read books other than enjoyment is for their message of theme, this book had tons of that. Not only was the writting amazing but it truly earned its place as a classic.
@1gidget (152)
• United States
22 Feb 09
I read the book quite a while ago, but I remember liking it. It's true when you are made to read something sometimes you don't like it as well. Lord of the Flies wasn't my favorite book, and I wasn't forced to read it, but I liked it.
