Lord of the Flies
Author - William Golding
Published - 1954
Genre: Allegorical Novel
Major Theme: A society formed by children without the guidance of adult authority
Synopsis: A group of school boys are marooned on a deserted island with no parental authority. Ralph, the protagonist of the story, initially attempts to create a civilized society of rules and order. However, led by the overbearing Roger, circumstances soon decline in to a hellish society of immorality and violence.
Philosophical Associations:
Thomas Hobbes - Leviathan
Relevance: In his classic treatise on political philosophy, Hobbes lays the ground work for his understanding the origins and development of society. According to Hobbes, prior to the development of the state and its organized social restraints, people lived a life “Without security…the life of man [was], solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”.* These conditions are very similar to those that develop on the island that Ralph and the other students are marooned on. Hobbes and Golding closely coincide in their pessimistic views of humanity and our inability to live peacefully without the proper organization of government intervention.
*Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. Penguin Books, Great Britain. 1968. 186.
Lord of the Rings, The
Author - J. R. R. Tolkien
Published - 1954 - 1955
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Major Theme: The one ring to rule them all must be destroyed
Synopsis: This epic three part tale by Tolkien focuses on the story of a Hobbit named Frodo, and his friends Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Placed on a quest by the wizard Gandalf, they journey to the dangerous kingdom of Mordor where they must destroy a magical ring before its power destroys them all. Frodo's harrowing journey requires him to overcome countless obstacles, necessitating his use of wit, bravery, and perseverance to succeed. All of this would not have been possible without the support and guidance of his many different friends. The effort that Frodo and his friends make in order to complete their mission is nothing short of heroic.
Philosophical Associations:
Aristotle - Nicomachean Ethics
Relevance: One of the most influential books in the history of moral thought, Aristotle's work fits nicely with many important themes that are explored in The Lord of the Rings. Aristotle's Ethics, focuses on ethical virtue, which can primarily be associated with character traits. This includes virtues such as bravery, wisdom, justice, wit, and friendship, amongst others. According to Aristotle, all good ethical action lies between two extremes of deficiency and excess. So, for example, a coward may run away from battle, lacking bravery, while rash person may run head first into battle, throwing their life needlessly away, but a brave person would act in moderation, standing to fight in an organized way with their fellow soldiers. Many such vices and virtues are prevalent throughout Frodo's experiences in The Lord of the Rings. Interestingly, Aristotle claims that true friendship is the greatest and rarest of all the virtues and, arguably, is the most important theme explored in Tolkien's wonderful work.
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