Golding, William: 1911-1993

Lord of the Flies, 1954 - Thematic Parallels: Savagery

Golding, William: Lord of the Flies, 1954
The main topic of this novel is how quickly society can dissolve and how human nature tends toward chaos and savagery without rules and order.
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Coetzee, J.M.: Disgrace, 1999, ~220pp
  This novel deals with societal breakdown, power dynamics, and human nature.
  Both novels depict a descent into chaos when societal structures or moral codes are removed or rendered ineffective. They show how power, when unchecked by ethical constraints, leads to dehumanization and suffering. Nature is not neutral—it reflects or amplifies the characters’ psychological and moral decline.
- Ellis, Bret Easton: Less Than Zero, 1985, ~200pp
  This novel portrays the collapse of social norms and the moral decline of youth, paralleling Lord of the Flies in its depiction of alienation, peer pressure, and the absence of effective adult authority.
  While "Lord of the Flies" is a literal allegory and "Less Than Zero" a minimalist social commentary, both explore the collapse of morality in young people when societal restraints are removed or meaningless. Whether it's a deserted island or a city of excess, both show how quickly people—especially the young—can fall into emptiness, cruelty, and moral ambiguity.
- Lessing, Doris: The Grass Is Singing, 1950, ~240pp
  This work explores themes of societal conflict and human nature.
  Both novels suggest that the constructs of society and morality are thin and easily disrupted, revealing the darker instincts beneath. They show characters whose mental stability deteriorates under pressure, leading to tragic consequences. In both novels, the setting is not just physical but symbolic of inner turmoil and moral collapse.
- Wyndham, John: The Chrysalids, 1955, ~180pp
  This novel is about a dystopian society and youth struggle for survival.
  Despite their different settings, "The Chrysalids" and "Lord of the Flies" both explore human nature, fear, societal control, and the fragility of civilization. Both portray young protagonists facing oppressive systems—whether created by adults or by peers—and force readers to question how societies define morality, normalcy, and leadership.
List of general discussion questions on Savagery (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Savagery (pdf)