What happens to the boys after Lord of the Flies? William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a classic novel that depicts the descent of a group of British schoolboys into savagery when they become stranded on a deserted island. The story has captivated readers for generations by exploring the human psyche and the struggle between civilization and primal instincts. However, one question that often goes unexplored is what happens to the boys after they are rescued from the island. Do they return to their normal lives, or do their experiences forever scar them?
In this article, we will delve into the aftermath of Lord of the Flies and examine the possible fates of the boys. We will analyze the novel’s themes and consider the implications of the events that take place on the island for the boys’ futures. By exploring this question, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the novel and its enduring impact on readers.
What happens to the boys after Lord of the Flies? (Answer)
William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that depicts the descent of a group of British schoolboys into savagery when they become stranded on a deserted island. The book is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the struggle between civilization and primal instincts. However, what happens to the boys after they are rescued from the island is a question that often goes unexplored. In this article, we will delve into the aftermath of Lord of the Flies and examine the possible fates of the boys.
It is important to note that the novel does not explicitly reveal what happens to the boys after they are rescued. The story ends with their dramatic rescue by a passing naval officer who spots the boys’ signal fire. The boys’ appearance and behavior astound the officer. They are covered in dirt and blood, and their faces are twisted in savagery. The novel’s ending suggests that the boys’ experiences on the island have deeply impacted them and that they may struggle to readjust to society.
One possible outcome for the boys is that they may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that can happen after a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, war, or a violent attack, that the person experienced or saw. The boys’ experiences on the island were undoubtedly traumatic, and they witnessed and participated in acts of violence and savagery. It is possible that the boys could suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms of PTSD, which could make it difficult for them to readjust to their everyday lives.
Another possible outcome is that the boys might have trouble readjusting to society because they have lost their innocence. The boys’ experiences on the island stripped them of their civilized upbringing and exposed them to the brutal reality of the world. The boys had to fight for survival and were forced to confront the darker aspects of human nature. This loss of innocence could make it difficult for them to trust others and to fit in with their peers who have not experienced the same trauma.
It is also possible that the boys could become social outcasts. The boys’ behavior on the island was not only savage but also violent and cruel. They formed tribes and engaged in warfare, with some boys even committing murder. If news of their behavior became public, the boys could become pariahs, shunned by society, and ostracized by their peers.
Are the boys saved in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, the boys are not entirely saved. While it is true that all of the boys, except for three, are eventually rescued from the island, their physical rescue does not necessarily mean they are saved from the darkness within themselves. The littlun with the mulberry-colored birthmark represents one of the casualties, as he dies during a fire started by Jack’s tribe. Simon, who possesses a sense of goodness and an understanding of the true nature of the “beast,” is brutally killed by Jack’s group in a frenzied state. Lastly, Piggy falls victim to Roger’s rock, symbolizing the loss of rationality and intellect on the island. Therefore, although all but three of the boys are physically saved by the naval officer, many of the boys have been corrupted and destroyed internally.
Lord of the Flies suggests that being saved encompasses more than just physical rescue; it involves preserving morality and sanity in a world devoid of civilization. The fate of these characters highlights how easily humanity can descend into chaos when left unchecked and raises questions about what truly makes someone saved or lost in a world stripped bare to its core instincts.
Does Jack get rescued in Lord of the Flies?
Yes, the naval officer rescues Jack at the end of the novel. While fleeing from Jack and his hunters, Ralph stumbles upon a naval officer who has arrived on the island in response to the fire that Jack set to flush Ralph out of his hiding space. The naval officer sees the chaos and destruction that has taken place among the boys and questions them about their behavior. During this encounter, Jack and his followers are rescued, brought back to the naval officer’s ship, and ultimately returned to civilization.
How is the ending of Lord of the Flies ironic?
The ending of Lord of the Flies is ironic because even though the naval officer saves Ralph, it does not result in a happy ending. Throughout the novel, Golding portrays the boys as descending into savagery and losing their innocence. The arrival of the naval officer represents civilization and rescue, but it also exposes the true nature of humanity. The moment when the officer encounters the boys is not one of untainted joy but rather a realization of their descent into darkness. The rescue emphasizes how far the boys have strayed from civilization and highlights the irony that they are saved by those who are supposed to represent order and morality.
In addition, the ending has an inherent irony because despite being saved, Ralph is left traumatized by his experience on the island. He witnesses violence, fear, and betrayal among his fellow boys, leading him to question his own humanity. The naval officer’s presence serves as a stark reminder that even in a supposedly civilized society, darkness and savagery can still exist. This ironic ending challenges conventional notions of rescue and reveals that true salvation may not always lead to a happy resolution or restore innocence completely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the aftermath of Lord of the Flies is left up to interpretation. The novel’s ending suggests that the boys’ experiences on the island have deeply impacted them. They may struggle to readjust to society. The possible outcomes for the boys include PTSD, loss of innocence, and social ostracism. Golding’s novel warns about the dangers of giving in to our primal instincts and the importance of maintaining a civilized society. The impact of the boys’ experiences on the island reminds us that our actions have consequences and that our choices can have a lasting effect on our lives.