After reading the classic novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding I can say that I am astonished as to my liking of the novel. At first, it had been recommended to me, and I grudgingly took up the task to read the novel thinking that it would take all my power to finish it. But after reading the first chapter I was hooked. It was an occurrence I was not expecting; to like a classic novel that is. I had the common misconception of Lord of the Flies being the stereotypical classic novel that is slow paced and too attentive to detail, but this classic gave me a different view on such literature. As I read deeper into the novel, I began to form my own questions: the premise to which I have created this blog. The questions were in a completely different direction to what was suggested for the content of out Classic Novel Study, but the novel struck up an intense debate within myself I thought to be more intriguing than commenting on the novel's characters or setting. So, I indulged in writing about it. Interestingly enough, much of the criteria appeared in my analogies as I continued my responses, but as supporting details to my responses rather than the central topic. I believe now that the reason we were given the guidelines we were for the Classic Novel Study was partly to make us come to grips on the deeper meanings of our classic novels, and create our own purpose for studying the novel. I was lucky in the sense that I chose a novel that instilled such a vigorous purpose in my responses and an interest in writing about it. Others, I believe, were not so lucky with their choices in their classic novels.
In addition, my enjoyment of the novel allowed me to look at the many aspects of what made Lord of the Flies a classic in my Apologia. Here I was able to identify the power the novel had over me while reading it, and the different elements that helped me to become absorbed in it. Reflecting on how Lord of the Flies was a classic also helped me to understand the meaning of "good" writing and the meaning of "great" writing. I also discovered the influences classics can have on society, as classic novels must rely on their reputation with the audience to survive.
Overall, Lord of the Flies has given me a new appreciation of literature. It has caused me to re-evaluate my interpretation of the classic novel, "good" writing, and the human condition. Above all, it opened my mind to reflection on the relevance of the beast in reality, and it will cause me to ponder over humanity for many years to come, as I am sure Golding intended. Though I may not indulge in reading classic novels habitually, I am now open to them for reflective thought on occasion when I can use a good goose chase to clear my mind. I will, however, look forward to the odd time when I do get to open a classic novel for such a refreshment.
Overall, Lord of the Flies has given me a new appreciation of literature. It has caused me to re-evaluate my interpretation of the classic novel, "good" writing, and the human condition. Above all, it opened my mind to reflection on the relevance of the beast in reality, and it will cause me to ponder over humanity for many years to come, as I am sure Golding intended. Though I may not indulge in reading classic novels habitually, I am now open to them for reflective thought on occasion when I can use a good goose chase to clear my mind. I will, however, look forward to the odd time when I do get to open a classic novel for such a refreshment.
