Irony in Lord of the Flies :: essays research papers

The Lord of the Flies initiates an ironic structure from its first chapters that becomes evident by the end of the book. Both Ralph and Jacks attitude are different in the radical of the new(a) to the way they turned out in the end. It is ironic how the most optimistic or optimistic situations in the book turn out catastrophic and society only falls apart more. On the surface the story implies that it is the boys age and inexperience that causes them to do such a corrupt society, however, on the contrary, there is an exaggerated respect for the adult world as you consider the reason why the boys are on the island in the first place. Sardonic events lead to an even more ironic ending where their ultimate rescue is a result of two ironic incidences, the incinerate and the acceptance of the boys onto the ship by the naval officer. The author uses irony by means ofout to show how such innocent boys despite their best efforts can turn savage, through the events that unfold that lead them into anarchy. Ralph and Jacks image of what life on the island would be like and how they would go about it was very different in the beginning of the story to the end. Ralph begins saying This is our island. Its a good island. Until the grown ups come to fetch us well have fun.(p45). It is ironic how this optimism is shattered by the end of the novel and events turned out so badly as though it were almost foolish to think theyd have fun from the start. Jack also makes a surprisingly ironic turn in the novel where his ideas appear civilized and orderly in the beginning, Well have rules Lots of rules(p44) however he is the one who becomes the loss leader of the savages and provokes fear of the beast. It is ironic how the most optimistic situations turn out terribly, in an almost mocking way. Piggy is doomed from the start, they savagely hunt and kill pigs, torment them and enjoying it. It is the beast within each boy that kills Piggy, as it is the beast within that eats away at any civilized instincts. Ralph wishes, If only they could send a message to us. If only they could send us something grown-up a sign or something(p117).