Lord of the Flies

A 1954 novel by British author William Golding, this allegorical tale explores the collapse of civilization and the darker aspects of human nature. The story begins when a group of British schoolboys finds themselves stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. Initially, they attempt to establish an orderly society led by Ralph, who is elected leader, and Piggy, who symbolizes reason and rationality. However, the boys gradually descend into savagery under the influence of Jack, who leads the hunters and fuels fear of a mythical beast — the "Lord of the Flies," representing inner brutality and chaos. The escalating rivalry between Ralph and Jack leads to tragic consequences and the complete disintegration of their society. The novel delves into themes of morality, power, fear, and the loss of innocence, becoming one of the most influential works of the 20th century and a staple of school curricula around the world.