Answer to Question #285448 in English for Kelsey Jand

Question

Lord of the Flies Study Guide Questions

Direction: Your answers need to be thorough, and where possible, quote the text (with citation).

Chapter 12

Allusion: Why does the officer allude to The Coral Island? What does the use of this allusion show about the adult world and its ability to understand human nature?

Answer 1

The boys in "the coral island" established an idyllic society and the naval officer was very naive to think they had done it. Adults symbolize civilization and social order to the boys but the world war raging outside the island makes it clear that the adult "civilization" is as savage as the boys' "civilization" on the island. This shows that human beings can change and lose that humane nature in them.