Monday, July 15, 2013

How does Golding prepare us for significant events near the end of Lord of the Flies? I've got the examples but not sure how to explain it further

Golding's book is very heavy
into foreshadow, subtle hints the author provides in order
to forewarn readers about future events. Several significant events that happen at the
end of the novel are foreshadowed earlier in the story.


The
first even that is foreshadowed is Piggy's death in Chapter 11, Castle
Rock
. Myopic and vulnerable, Piggy stands on the bridge and asks the
boys whether it is better to be savages or to have reason as Ralph does. Rodger
dislodges a huge boulder from atop Castle Rock that rolls down the side of the cliff,
knocking Piggy into the jagged rocks beneath. This event is foreshadowed as early as
Chapter 1, The Sound of the Shell, when Jack discovers a large rock
and heaves it down the side of the mountain with wild
delight.


Another event Golding foreshadows is Ralph's
well-being. In Chapter 7, Shadows and Tall Trees, Simon predicts
that Ralph will be okay when he says, "You'll get back to where you came from." At the
end of the novel, we find out that Ralph does indeed end up being rescued, although
perhaps he is not "all right" as he now knows the evil humankind is capable
of.


In the latter event of foreshadowing, readers can infer
that something malevolent will happen to Simon, since he does not include himself in the
prediction of survival. What's more, all of the savage hunts, dances, and chanting
culminates in Chapter 9, A View to a Death, when the group of boys
dance and chant, "Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!" as they engulf Simon
and stab him to death.


Foreshadowing, hints, and repetition
all prepare the reader for the boys' degradation into savagery and violence at the end
of the novel

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