How Are Innocence And Experience Connected Thematically in Lord of the Flies?

Answer

How are innocence and experience connected thematically in Lord of the Flies?

In “Lord of the Flies” (1954) by William Golding (1911-1993), the themes of innocence and experience are intricately connected. The connection between innocence and experience plays a crucial role in the novel’s exploration of human nature and societal breakdown. 

The plot concerns some British schoolboys, ranging in age from 6 to 13, who are stranded on an uninhabited island after their plane is shot down during an unspecified nuclear war. The boys primarily try to establish order and plan for rescue. However, soon, they forget their rescue plan, spread rumours of a vicious beast, and hunt and kill a few of them. They descend into savagery.

This connection between innocence and experience is primarily illustrated through the transformation of the boys on the island, the loss of innocence, and the descent into savagery.

Loss of Innocence

Initial Innocence: At the beginning of the novel, the boys are depicted as typical children with a sense of adventure. Their innocence is symbolized by their initial attempts to establish a democratic society with rules and order, represented by the conch shell. In Chapter 1,

We can use this [conch shell] to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us-

Even Jack shows signs of innocence at the bringing. In Chapter 2, Jack says:

We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages.

Jack’s willingness to accept rules at the beginning shows how far he falls later.

Gradual Corruption: As the story progresses, the boys’ behavior starts to change. The absence of adult supervision and societal structures leads to a gradual erosion of their civilized behaviors. Key events, such as the killing of the sow, the face-painting, and the frenzied dance, mark their descent into savagery. In chapter 4,

Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.

Jack and the other hunters chant