Lord of the Flies: Allusions to ‘the Coral Island’

Lord of the Flies: Allusions to ‘the Coral Island’

Q. Comment on the allusions to ‘the Coral Island’ in Lord of the Flies.

Answer: William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" is a novel rich in symbolism and literary allusions, and one of the most significant allusions is to R.M. Ballantyne's "The Coral Island." Published in 1858, "The Coral Island" is a Victorian adventure novel that portrays a utopian vision of boys stranded on a deserted island. Golding, however, subverts this idyllic portrayal in his own work, offering a darker and more realistic exploration of human nature and society.

At the outset, the very premise of "Lord of the Flies" alludes to "The Coral Island." The boys find themselves marooned on a tropical island after their plane crashes, mirroring the central plot of Ballantyne's novel. This initial parallel sets the stage for a deliberate deconstruction of the optimistic themes presented in "The Coral Island."

The character names in "Lord of the Flies" further underscore the connection. In "The Coral Island," the protagonists are Ralph, Jack, and Peterkin. Golding adopts the name Ralph for his protagonist, but the similarities end there. While Ballantyne's Ralph is a paragon of virtue and leadership, Golding's Ralph undergoes a profound transformation, revealing the fragility of civilization and morality in the face of human instincts.

The character of Jack in "Lord of the Flies" is perhaps the most striking departure from "The Coral Island." In Ballantyne's novel, Jack is a noble and virtuous character. In contrast, Golding transforms Jack into a symbol of the primal, savage instincts within humanity. The descent of Jack and his followers into barbarity illustrates Golding's critique of the simplistic moral framework presented in "The Coral Island."

The introduction of the "beast" in "Lord of the Flies" can be seen as another layer of allusion to "The Coral Island." In Ballantyne's novel, the boys confront a supposed monster on the island, which turns out to be a harmless sea creature. Golding, however, introduces the idea of the beast as a primal and malevolent force residing within each human being. This concept challenges the innocence and purity associated with the boys in "The Coral Island," highlighting the darker aspects of human nature that Golding believes exist inherently.

The conch shell, used as a symbol of authority and civilization in "Lord of the Flies," can be linked to the trumpet in "The Coral Island." Both objects represent order and authority, but Golding introduces the conch as a fleeting symbol that ultimately fails to maintain control. This subversion reflects Golding's skepticism about the efficacy of external structures in curbing innate human tendencies toward chaos and savagery.

The naval officer's arrival at the end of "Lord of the Flies" provides a final twist to the allusion. The officer assumes the boys were playing a game, emphasizing the gap between the adult perception of reality and the disturbing truth of the boys' descent into barbarity. This contrasts sharply with the rescue in "The Coral Island," where the boys' inherent goodness is immediately recognized.

In essence, Golding's allusions to "The Coral Island" serve as a foundation for his exploration of the inherent capacity for evil within human nature. By dismantling the utopian vision presented in the Victorian novel, Golding challenges the optimistic beliefs about the innate goodness of humanity. "Lord of the Flies" becomes a stark and cautionary counterpoint, a narrative that exposes the fragility of civilization when confronted with the unchecked impulses of human nature. Golding, through his skillful use of literary allusion, engages in a profound dialogue with the past, reinterpreting and challenging established narratives to offer a more nuanced and disquieting exploration of the human condition.

*****

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