The atmosphere in book progresses from almost idyllic to sinister and chaotic, and finally to empty and scoured out. The sense of joy and freedom the boys have in the beginning changes as Jack becomes more predatory and evil, Piggy insists on reason and Simon's consistent, but gentle, appeal to remain humane and human. The final moments are relatively bleak and exhausted as the survivors and rescuers realize how insane the situation had become.
While the physical environment is lush and life-supporting (fresh water and meat!), the island's configuration itself symbolizes separation and alienation - which is what the characters experience as they descend into savagery and chaos. The curious detachment the boys experience when they are rescued illustrates the confounding nature of islands: bleakness, and separation from human conformity with beauty and life-giving capabilities. Can we survive in isolation? Will savagery always prevail? How do we overcome such evil and barbarism?
The fire defines changes in the atmosphere and environment as well. At first the fire is needed for security, survival and rescue; later it becomes demonic and consuming, symbolic of a descent into nonhumanity.
No comments:
Post a Comment