What did you think?

The idea of being stranded on a deserted island has been toyed with for years- from movies like Castaway, to reality shows like Survivor, to sitcoms like Gilligan's Island-the idea is nothing new.  Howeverthe premise that seemingly civilized schoolboys could self-destruct and wreak havoc on such intense levels is not only hard to believe but leaves you wondering, could youth really behave in this manner?  I believe this approach was one that hadn't been explored before and left us with many feelings of digust and anger.  Also, one couldn't help but think if the definition of "true friend" really does exist?  The boys had no problem turning their backs on each other and true friendships were not really formed, with the exception of Ralph and Piggy, but that realization, sadly, surfaced too late.

I've read this book five times before and have enjoyed it every time.  Admittedly, I don't love it, but I think it has a very important message - that there is both good and evil in everyone, and drastic times may inevitably bring either side out.  I would definitely recommend this book to others because it is well written and exceedingly unpredictable.  Nothing was as expected, which I think added a great element of surprise that is necessary to keep the reader going.  I rate this book an 8 because, again, I did not love it but it is a timeless classic that will surely live on for many years to come.

What did you think about the book?  Did you love it, hate it, or feel indifferent?  Would you recommend this novel to others?  Lastly, on a scale of 1-10, what would you rate this novel? 50 words minimum, and you must anwer all of the questions.

Is there good in everyone?

Ralph, by nature, is an innocent, mild- tempered boy who accepts leadership when it is thrust on him.  He serves as a democratic leader who tries to keep the boys together on the island and uses a conch shell to mildly show his authority. He thinks of building shelters to protect them and a signal fire for their rescue. He befriends Piggy, the fat boy that receives taunts and teases from the other boys, and learns to rely on Piggy's intellectual reasoning.  


Simon is the quiet, shy boy in the group. Being a visionary, he often goes into the forest by himself to contemplate nature and life. He is the only one who helps Ralph build the huts and is also genuinely concerned for the well-being of the "littleuns". 


Piggy is the fat boy who is the brunt of all the jokes and teasing in the novel. He is physically weak and constantly complains about his asthma. He is also myopic and almost blind without his glasses.  But, Piggy is also rational and has an understanding about life. He constantly warns the boys about their behavior and foolish ways and becomes Ralph's true friend while serving as a sounding board and advisor to him.


All three seem to be "good" boys; however, is there a difference in their goodness? *40 words minimum.

Ralph vs Piggy

The first characters we met in chapter one of Lord of the Flies are Ralph and Piggy.  They appear to be foils, or opposites, of one another.  Ralph is handsome, athletic, somewhat reserved, and the son of a Royal Navy commander.  He is enchanted by the physical aspects of the island, perhaps a reflection of never having been to a beach before.  Piggy, on the other hand, is heavy, asmatic, wears glasses, and lives with his auntie.  He offers Ralph friendship, and is concerned with finding the others and with the details of how they will survive.  Ralph only tolerates Piggy's friendly overtures-and immediately betrays him by ignoring his plea to keep his nickname, Piggy, a secret from the others.

Your question is, would either or both be your friend?  Why?