Squatinbeagle USA

1. What did you like about the book?
I found the books allegorical philosophies of the human condition to be extremely well concieved. Golding, an optimist by nature, faces the idea of internal animalistic tendencies in regards to survival. This is an all-ages venture into the human psyche', complete with actions, adventure, philosophical detail, allegorical design, and a bittersweet conclusion. I am ashamed to say this was the first time I have read the book, but I doubt very much it'll be the last.
2. What did you dislike about the book?
The only minute detractor I have for "Lord of the Flies" is that Golding often uses uneccesary repitition when writing. This isn't a stylistic error, but a personal preference of mine. Other than that tid-bit, I have little to grumble about.
3. What 3 connections did you make with the book?
The novel I am currently working on delves deeply into an allegorical look on the perspectives of war and human defenses; reading Golding's work helped me gain perspective on my own writings.
Also, being a Jungian "mastermind" personality, I sympethize greatly with Simon, who is portrayed as a contemplative and Christ-like figure. I'm not Christ by any means, but I connect fervently with the general demeanor of Simon, and felt at home reading his passages.
Though Golding discribes himself as an optimist, I can't help but connect his work with Hobbsian philosophy--man is born destructive and is so by nature. I, being a fan (though not ardent supporter of) Hobbes, can easily see the similarities, but Golding is more matter-of-fact then the aggressive Hobbsian philosophy.
4. How will you integrate this book into your classroom curriculum?
I would love to instruct this novel to older ages (11th or 12th) as I feel it becomes diluted by the doctrine of it being a ninth grade book. Also, it would be great to impliment this book while my students are studying World War II in history, as it takes place at the time and speaks volumes about its causes from a philosophical and sociological stand-points. Truly, however, I'd be happy to do this book any time, any year.