Are There Any Movies Similar to the Book 'Lord of the Flies'?

Jonathan Lucky provides a straightforward answer when comparing 'Lord of the Flies' to 'The Coral Island' by R. M. Ballantyne. William Golding deliberately wrote 'Lord of the Flies' as a contrast and satire of Ballantyne's novel. This raises the question: Are there any movies that reflect similar themes or settings as 'Lord of the Flies'? Let's explore the literary context and find suitable comparisons.

Contrasting 'Lord of the Flies' and 'The Coral Island'

'The Coral Island,' written in 1857, features three boys shipwrecked on an idyllic island, learning morality, Christianity, and imperialism to overcome external evil. However, this contrasts sharply with Golding's themes in 'Lord of the Flies.'

Wikipedia elaborates that although Golding enjoyed 'The Coral Island' as a child, he strongly disagreed with its views. In 'Lord of the Flies,' Golding portrays the English boys as civilized on the surface but innately savage , forgetting more than they learn. Golding describes the relationship between the two books by saying that 'The Coral Island' represents external threats, while 'Lord of the Flies' delves into the internal darkness of humanity.

Exploring Comparable Works

The best comparison involves literary texts arising from the same or similar contexts. This allows for a deeper exploration of how different authors respond to similar fears.

William Golding's 1954 novel 'Lord of the Flies' is a dystopian story arising from his fears about the future of the world post-world wars, the atomic bomb, and the consequences of 'ultra-masculinity.' These fears manifest in charismatic but violent leaders.

Comparing 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell

George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' also conveys effectively how 'strong' leaders can create a following. Both authors explore the darker aspects of human society and leadership. 'Animal Farm' similarly reflects the corrupting influence of power.

Finding Purely Visual Comparisons

While there are no poets conveying patriarchal themes, several movies reflect the themes of 'Lord of the Flies.' One fascinating documentary examines a real incident where a group of Tongan boys settled on an uninhabited island, reflecting the same fears and dynamics seen in Golding's novel.

Another intriguing parallel can be drawn from 'The Tripods' series, which imagines a dystopian future where human civilization is under threat. However, it serves as more of a broad thematic exploration rather than a direct comparison.

Citing Additional Resources

For more detailed insights, diving into Wikipedia can provide a wealth of information on 'Lord of the Flies' and its context. Additionally, exploring Jonathan Lucky's thoughts and the documentary on Tongan boys can offer a unique perspective on the themes of isolation, savagery, and the corrupting influence of power.