Lord Of The Flies Passage Analysis Essay, Research Paper

Golding uses chapter eight to show the changes within Ralph and Piggy. The experience on the island has caused them to mature early, and Golding develops this maturity in order to provide the reader with a believable story and memorable characters. He develops the characters through vivid details, distinct diction, simple syntax, and congested figurative language.

Golding uses detail to show Ralph s change from a civil leader to a mindless savage. When Ralph sits and pokes holes in the sand, he is surprised to see blood. He examines his nail and is interested, not concerned, about the blood. He originally was disgusted at the site of blood. This act shows his savage-like fascination with blood. Piggy s development is also dependent on Golding s use of detail. Within this passage, Piggy wipes off his glasses twice. There is a sense of paranoia and urgency in this act. Piggy wishes to disconnect from reality and does not want to admit to himself or Ralph their desperate situation. Piggy was originally the voice of reason in the novel. This simple act, however, shows he is changing into an unadmitting fool because he chooses not to see reality due to fear.

The use of diction is also vital to the development of the characters in Lord of the Flies. The passage opens with Ralph smudging the sweat from his face with a dirty forearm. This conveys to the reader an exhausted boy who is at wit s end. The words smudging, sweat, and dirty, connote savagery, and they show Ralph s animalistic characteristics coming out. He has changed from a polished, civilized boy to a dirty savage since the arrival on the island. Ralph also runs around the fire holding up his hair when he realizes that most of the boys have joined Jack. This reference to hair shows the savagery in Ralph, as opposed to his clean-cut original appearance.

Syntax is another technique used by Golding to further develop the characters. The frequent use of dashes, fragments, and simple sentences remind the reader that although they are encountering a very complex situation, the characters are still simple-minded children. It also shows the characters fragmented thoughts and fears. Originally, Ralph was a well-spoken leader, but in this passage, Golding shows he is a scared creature through syntax.

Figurative language is employed by Golding throughout the novel to develop plot and characters. In this passage, the most vivid figurative language is in the final paragraph. The author uses similes to compare the action between the children and the action in the clouds. The brewing storm foreshadows the dark and evil forces that will be at work within the boys. The author uses Ralph s point of view to employee these techniques in an attempt to let the reader into Ralph s mind; this clues the reader into Ralph s fears.

Golding s ability to portray the boys realistically, and therefore further interest the reader, is due in part to their meticulous development. Though originally, the boys were simple, free-spirited, and civilized, in this passage the reader can see that they have turned into fearful savages. Golding cleverly interweaves the development of his theme and characters so the reader is left with the impression that evil lie within us all.