Tuesday's Stuff

The setting of this story can be compared to the Garden of Eden in various ways. Like the Garden of Eden, the island in this book starts off as one of paradise and wonder. The boys start off thinking that being alone on an island without any adults will be fun. At the first meeting, Ralph states: “This is our island. It’s a good island. Until the grownups come to fetch us we’ll have fun” (47). However, the island has a not-so-peaceful ending, like that of the Garden of Eden. By making the reader aware of the raging war going on back at the boys’ homes, Golding foreshadows violence amongst the boys themselves. In war, soldiers are placed outside of society—just like the boys in this story. In a situation where killing is considered okay, attitudes change. Eventually, the boys come to have a war of their own. After splitting into two groups, the boys succumb to murder and ideas of savagery.