The One-Sided Story

The Lord of the Flies is a literary masterpiece by William Golding. It argues that human nature is corrupt and savage and it is society that ties down our animal instincts. This being a powerful thesis, Golding wrote an allegorical novel full of details and ideas supporting his universal statement. The film adaptation of the book by Harry Hook, fails at upholding Golding’s key ideas and thus the very purpose of the book. The end product is an entertaining yet a meaningless movie.

The nationality of the group of boys that landed on the island differed from the novel. In the movie, the boys are American while in the novel they are British. Golding had a purpose when he specifically chose British boys to land on the island. He wanted to begin the story, his personal essay, with boys that are universally known as good. Etiquette, well manners, and dignity are dominant factors in the British culture. The children on this island were raised with this culture well imprinted in their minds; therefore there is little chance for them to become bad. Golding had put a special emphasis on how the very best of us have the capability to turn into savages and turn to its liberation. One could argue that because the boys in the movie were American, that is the reason why they did not succeed at surviving. If this movie had kept the nationality of the boys the same as in the book, there would be no room for counter arguments as Golding had intended it.

The most important aspect of the entire story is when Simon speaks to the Lord of the Flies. When Simon speaks to the Lord of the Flies, the idea that humans have no escape from their true nature is reconfirmed. It is Simon’s conscience informing him that the violence he sees taking place represent the reality of human existence and to give in to it. This event was a key supporting detail to Golding’s allegorical novel. Since this significant event was not included in the movie, the movie loses its allegorical meaning.

The elements of technology and the modern world which are found in the movie also hinder the purpose of the novel. They leave room for opposition to Golding’s ideas. One could argue that the time period which the boys grew up in was humanity’s darkest time since people stopped relying on each other but on technology. These boys growing with the availability of technology could have a history of social isolation. Therefore, they do not know how to interact with their fellow people and thus never knew good. One could also argue since these boys use profanity so readily they are already corrupt before they even landed on the island.

The removal of a fundamental event and the implantation of a different culture and time period create an entertaining movie. However, the true purpose of the story is lost and a one-sided story is left behind.