Lord of the Flies

A classic stands the test of time because it presents timeless, universal ideas and people from all times and places can relate to it. William Golding's classic Lord of the Flies stands the test of time because of the universal ideas explored such as good versus evil and the nature of the human conditions. Lord of the Flies can be studied by people over and over again because it will always provide a message no matter who they are or where they come from.

Firstly, Lord of the Flies will stand the test of time because it explores the universal theme of good versus evil. Early in the novel, it can be seen that all the people are on the good side by calling an assembly using the conch; the conch represents democratic government. Later on in the story, Piggy and Ralph which represent good were versing Jack’s Hunters who represent the evil side. The conflict between the two groups can be seen through the rhetorical questions asked by Piggy before he is killed, “which is better-to be a pack of painted niggers like you are or to be sensible like Ralph is” and “which is better, law and rescue or hunting and breaking things up”. We believe that good versus evil will always be related to our society and therefore this book is a classic and will stand the test of time.

Secondly, another reason that the Lord of the Flies will stand the test of time is the nature of human conditions such as power and survival shown in the book. In Lord of the Flies, the group of British boys have experienced an air crash and are on an isolated island with no law. They are lead by Ralph which believed they will get rescued, but Jack starts to gain power and forms a new camp as he does not want to follow the rules that Ralph has set up, this can be seen through “bullocks to the rules! We’re strong-we hunt! If there’s a beast, we’ll hunt it down! We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat!”. It can also be seen from this sentence that Jack and his hunters are getting further away from civilisation when doing things such as hunting for food and killing the beast due to survival. Jack has also used lord of the flies as a fear to control the other boys. The conflict idea of power and survival in the society explored by Golding in this book has made the story classic and timeless.

It is therefore obvious that Lord of the Flies is a classic that stands the test of time. The universal idea has made the story timeless. William Golding has also explored the nature of human condition in Lord of the Flies. Both the universal idea and nature of human condition could show that the book stands the test of time.