Comparing the Similarity in Themes in Alex Garlands The...

Comparing the Similarity in Themes in Alex Garlands The Beach and William Goldings Lord of the Flies There are a number of themes which are common to The Beach by Alex Garland and Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Four of these themes will be reviewed in this essay by comparing the characters and the events which occur. The themes are, first, isolation, which is developed in both books relatively near the beginning of each. Secondly, the fact that things are not as they seem, for example, The vicious morning sun, and, the desire to squeeze and hurt was over-mastering, from The Beach and Lord of the Flies respectively. Thirdly, in both novels insanity is a significant aspect, with†¦show more content†¦Similarly in Lord of the Flies, Simon begins as a respected member of the community and is selected by Ralph, the leader, to accompany him exploring. However, as the novel develops, Simon becomes gradually more isolated, until many hardly notice he no longer spent time with them. Ralph says of him, Hes queer. Hes funny Lord of the Flies He is isolated from the group mentally and physically, for, in his mind he believes the other inhabitants think he is strange and no longer useful to them. This is a quote from when Simon is talking to The Beast, a figment of the boys imagination, Well then, said the Lord of the Flies, youd better run off and play with the others. They think youre batty. You dont want Ralph to think your batty do you? Lord of the Flies Elsewhere there are more examples of Simons isolation, He was kneeling down on one knee, looking down from a higher rock, alone. Lord of the Flies This might suggest that Simon is set apart from the others on a different level. Both Richards and Simons isolation develops dramatically, with large sections of both books featuring them in complete separation from the others. In addition, this seclusion influences many key events, such as Simons murder in Lord of the Flies, A