Ever wondered if you would survive on a deserted island? Maybe you might have watched reality shows and thought to yourself:

Yeah… I could do that…

How hard can it be?

Yes, I have a problem. And if you do too, read Lord of the Flies!

“Lord of the Flies” is like a dramatic island vacation gone awry. Picture a group of kids stranded on an island, trying to survive without adult supervision. Except, they somehow end up forming a society with opposing archetypes? Who knew kids could be that chaotic?

Let’s break down how this came about:

The island becomes a microcosm of society, with each character representing different worldviews. First, you’ve got Ralph, the reluctant leader, who’s pretty much a politician trying to maintain order while battling his inner doubts. Think of any politician, that’s Ralph. Then, there’s Jack, a power-hungry antagonist, who reminds you of Karen in HR. Always lurking and using fear to gain control of the office. “Lord of the Flies” is like Survivor, if CBS allowed casting children.

As for the conch shell mentioned in the novel, it is comparable to a mic at a conference. Whoever holds it can speak, but like any meeting, chaos ensues as people interrupt, ignore, or echo whatever someone else has already said…

The beast on the island represents the fears that lurk within us all. It’s the monster under your bed, or hiding in your closet. The fear of the unknown, or maybe just your own shadow. Reminding us that sometimes our biggest enemies might be ourselves. Yes, my own shadow has once spooked me out. It happens.

The ending is a plot twist.

Spoiler alert for those who have not read it yet. You have been warned.

You are left scratching your head. You think there will be a happy ending as you find out rescue arrives at the island to save the children. Until you are hit with the realization that the adults might be just as messed up as the kids.

Overall, “Lord of the Flies” has all the elements that would get your English teacher excited: power struggles, symbolism galore, and metaphors. I would say it is like a survival reality show meets psychological drama. Except, you don’t end up reading it and thinking to yourself I could survive on a stranded island.