Write an Analysis of the Opening Chapter of Lord of the Flies. How Effective Is It at Introducing the Characters, Concerns and Language of the Novel?

Write an analysis of the opening chapter of Lord of the Flies. How effective is it at introducing the characters, concerns and language of the novel?

The first chapter of the novel, The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding is effective in establishing the characters, concerns and language for the remainder of the book, as well as introducing the main themes of the novel; that the problems in society are related to the sinful nature of man and good verses evil. In Golding’s first chapter, the main characters are introduced, we see many ominous signs of what’s to come through the authors choice of language and the beginning of rivalries, issues and concerns are portrayed which are to continue throughout the rest of the book. The microcosm on the Island is presented from an early stage, as well as themes that emerge and remain important throughout the novel.

Golding introduces the three main characters in the first chapter individually. Ralph, the main protagonist, is tall with fair hair and is introduced first. His attitude when first realising there are no grown-ups around is excitement, and he is looking forward to the prospect of being free of adults. In stark contrast, the second character to be introduced, Piggy, “was shorter than the fair boy and very fat”. These two complete opposites are introduced into the situation very early on, to show the differences and varieties within society. Jack, the last main character to be introduced, is described by Golding as “tall, thin and bony…. his face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness.” Jack is the only other character who is close in physical stature to Ralph, and is from the onset described as a leader.

Ralph, from the second page, seems to have taken control of the situation on the island. Golding reaches this conclusion of the boy effectively through his conversation with Piggy; “This is an island…. That’s a reef out to sea.” These statements show Ralph to have intelligence to make conclusions on his own accord, and we are able to see the character can think for himself. Continuing through the first chapter, after the meeting with the conch, we see Ralph as a natural leader, “there was a stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him out…. Ralph raised is hand for silence” throughout the clamour