Lord of the Flies

This year we have been working with our boys doing internet school. It has caused us to revisit, relearn, and in some cases just learn, things that we went through in high school ourselves. One of the things I have gotten to revisit is “Lord of the Flies.”

This novel definitely belongs on the list of “books everyone should read.” Especially in our current global zeitgeist. As the world turns its back on cooperation and working together in favor of nationalism and “everyone looking out for themselves” we need the reminder of what monsters we can be.

In one of the better and more terrifying scenes from the book, where Simon stands entranced before the Lord of the Flies, we get one of the best quotes. One that we need to revisit from time to time:

“’Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!’ said the head. For a moment or two the forest and all the other dimly appreciated places echoed with the parody of laughter. ‘You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are what they are?’”