Do schools still read Lord of the Flies? Since its publication in 1954, William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies” has become a classic of modern literature and a staple of high school curriculums. However, the book’s dark and provocative themes have also led to controversy and challenges from school boards and parents, resulting in its ban in some instances. In fact, the American Library Association states that the Lord of the Flies is one of the more frequently banned and challenged books in the United States.
Yet, despite these challenges, the novel remains a popular and widely read book, with the majority of high schools still including it on their reading lists. In this article, we will explore the continued relevance of “Lord of the Flies” in modern education and why it remains a controversial yet important book for high school students to read.
Do schools still read Lord of the Flies? (Complete Answer)
Lord of the Flies, a novel written by William Golding in 1954, has been a controversial piece of literature since its publication. It has been banned from schools and challenged by school boards and parents over the years due to its provocative and graphic content. Despite the controversy, it remains a popular book and is still included in the reading lists of most high schools in the United States.
The novel tells the story of a group of young boys who become stranded on a deserted island and are forced to create their own society to survive. As time goes on, their community becomes increasingly savage and violent, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The book explores themes of power, violence, and the innate human desire for control.
The book’s controversial nature has led to it being banned or challenged in schools across the country. Some parents and school boards argue that the book’s content is too violent and disturbing for young readers. Others believe it is inappropriate for school curriculums because of its bleak and pessimistic outlook on human nature.
Despite these challenges, many schools still include Lord of the Flies on their reading lists. There are several reasons why the book remains an essential piece of literature for high school students.
Firstly, the novel is a classic example of allegorical literature, meaning that readers can interpret the story on multiple levels. The book is not just about a group of boys on a deserted island; it also explores larger themes such as power dynamics, societal structures, and the human condition. By studying the novel, students can learn how to analyze and interpret complex literary works.
Secondly, the novel is relevant to modern society. Many themes explored in Lord of the Flies, such as the desire for power and the dangers of groupthink, are still applicable today. By studying the book, students can learn how these themes manifest themselves in contemporary society.
Finally, the novel is an important work of literature in its own right. It has won numerous awards and has been praised for its ability to capture the dark side of human nature. By reading the book, students can appreciate the novel’s literary merit and its contribution to the literary canon.
What grade do students read Lord of the Flies?
Students typically read Lord of the Flies in the 9th or 10th grade. This book’s Lexile measure is 770L, which is appropriate for readers in these grade levels.
Why is Lord of the Flies still relevant today?
Lord of the Flies is still relevant today because it explores universal themes such as the inherent evil in human nature, the dangers of groupthink and mob mentality, and the importance of civilizational norms and values. The novel illustrates how, in the absence of social structures and authority, individuals can adopt immoral and violent behavior to pursue their self-interest. These themes are especially relevant today as people around the world continue to struggle with issues such as political polarization, social injustice, and religious extremism. Lord of the Flies serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked power and the need for moral guidance in shaping human behavior.
Why is Lord of the Flies controversial?
Lord of the Flies is controversial for a few reasons. Firstly, the book depicts children engaging in violent and savage behavior towards each other, which some people find disturbing and inappropriate for young readers. Additionally, the use of profanity and vulgar language in the novel has also caused controversy among some readers. The fact that an entire school district in Texas challenged the novel in 1984 for excessive violence and bad language speaks to the level of debate and controversy surrounding the book. However, despite these challenges, Lord of the Flies remains a classic work of literature that continues to be taught in schools and studied by readers around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite being banned and challenged over the years, Lord of the Flies remains a popular and important book for high school students to read. It offers an allegorical tale that can be interpreted on multiple levels, explores relevant themes that are still applicable today, and is an important work of literature in its own right. While it may be controversial, the book’s literary merit and relevance to modern society make it an essential addition to any high school curriculum.