While some claim that The Lord of the Flies is a truly good read, others strongly disagree.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a dystopian novel written in 1954 following a group of
stranded boys and their descent into savagery. While some view it as a must-read, others find it
disturbing and morally questionable.
On the one hand, the novel offers many things. For example, it explores human instinct and prompts
self-reflection on one's capacity for darkness and the delicate balance between chaos and civilization.
In addition, Lord of the Flies is a literary treasure because of its masterful use of symbolism and
allegory. Critical thinking is encouraged, and the reading experience is enhanced by symbolism: such
as the conch shell representing democracy and the beast representing primal instincts.
On the other hand, reading Lord of the Flies has its downsides. For instance, some argue that the
explicit violence and brutality in the novel are unsettling. Realistic scenes may overshadow the basic
topics, compromising the general happiness and educational value. Furthermore, the disturbing
content may be upsetting, especially for people who are sensitive. Some find the novel's pessimistic
view of human nature disheartening, as it suggests inherent evil and a fragile civilization, which can
leave readers feeling hopeless and with a distorted understanding of humanity.
In conclusion; Lord of the Flies isn’t a novel for everyone. It offers exploration of human nature and
symbolism. However, explicit scenes and pessimistic views may discourage readers and compromise
their enjoyment and understanding. Ultimately, whether it is a good read depends on individual
preferences and willingness to engage with its challenging themes – personally, I enjoyed reading it.

Katarina Radočaj 2L
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