Structure – Higher English SQA Revision

Novel’s Structure

Lord of the Flies is a linear narrative: events unfold chronologically, and there are no flashbacks or jumps in time.
The novel is divided into twelve chapters: each chapter contributes to the escalating tension and the unravelling of civilisation.
The chapters often end with dramatic scenes or cliff-hangers, such as the discovery of the ‘beast’ or the death of a character, which serve to progress the plot and maintain the reader’s interest.

Events in the novel progress from order and civilisation towards chaos and savagery, mirroring the boys’ transformation.
The decline in order is gradual: there are initially attempts to establish organised society with marked roles and democratic decision-making.
However, the control weakens over time – clear rules become blurred, roles become undefined and the group’s initial unity breaks down.

Golding uses the setting and the island’s conditions to structure the narrative and highlight turning points in the novel.
For example, the uninhabited island initially symbolises paradise and freedom, however, as the boys’ behaviour descends into savagery, the island becomes a dystopian nightmare.
Similarly, the conch’s destruction marks a defined turning point, signifying the end of structured society and the onset of complete anarchy.

The story also has a symbolic structure: the characters and their actions represent larger ideas about human nature and society.
For instance, Ralph symbolises order and civilisation, while Jack represents savagery and the primal instinct.
These differing representations clash throughout the story, building a symbolic conflict that structures the narrative.

The novel uses third-person omniscient narrative, which informs readers about the thoughts and feelings of the characters.
This provides important insights into the characters’ transformation and descent into savagery, thereby contributing to the unfolding narrative structure.
The narrative perspective also shifts focus between various characters, providing a comprehensive overview of the events and the dynamics among the group.

The structure of Lord of the Flies reflects the characters’ decline into savagery, building tension as order gradually descends into chaos.
Golding uses a variety of structural techniques, including setting, narrative perspective and progression of events, to heighten the impact of the narrative and enhance the exploration of the novel’s themes.