A Study of ‘Game Metaphor’ in Golding’s Lord of the Flies

Abstract:     
Games are means of entertainment and relaxation. Golding’s use of games in Lord of the Flies develops the central theme of the novel that humanity has evil tendency within its nature. Metaphorically all the games have much deeper meaning than just a game of entertainment. Golding develops this theme from the first chapter of the novel to the climax. In the beginning, the characters play the games for fun and enjoyment. Even in their fun, a kind of cruelty, inflicting pain on others and enjoying the agony of the afflicted one was present. The characters of the novel are well suited to the game and the theme of man’s innate evilness, as they are all below 14 years of age. As the boys play the game, they not only enjoy the fun of the game but also the joy of being savages. They don’t require any order or law of guiding force in their state of savagery. This paper tries to bring out the game metaphor that leads the boys into savagery.

Accepted Paper Series