Lord of the Flies
question
How is LOTF Antithetical to THE CATCHER IN THE RYE?
Monty J
(last edited
Jan 23, 2013 11:32PM
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Jan 23, 2013 12:01AM
In CITR, Holden is traumatized by the death of his little brother and from being an eye-witness to the suicide of a dorm-mate, James Castle, who jumped out a window wearing Holden's sweater. He is so traumatized that he exhibits symptoms of PTSD and eventually has a nervous collapse. Only his little sister, Phoebe, attempts to redeem him, exhibiting unconditional love. The way the two children adore each other is very touching. In the end, Holden is transformed from cynicism to an almost angel-like presence who yearns to protect children.
The pessimistic view of mankind expressed in LOTF lies in direct opposition to the optimistic view of CITR.
Which view is more realistic? And isn't it really a matter of choice? Man is endowed with Free Will (introduced in the Christian Bible's book of Genesis), the ability to choose whether to be good or bad.
Children are teachable and they tend to reflect what we teach them. The responsibility lies with us.
The pessimistic view of mankind expressed in LOTF lies in direct opposition to the optimistic view of CITR.
Which view is more realistic? And isn't it really a matter of choice? Man is endowed with Free Will (introduced in the Christian Bible's book of Genesis), the ability to choose whether to be good or bad.
Children are teachable and they tend to reflect what we teach them. The responsibility lies with us.
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Holden Caulfield is a late adolescent differentiating himself from his social circles of "phonies". He is casting about for his own independent purpose. He becomes relatively satisfied with a purpose to help others. Jack and the other "bad" boys of Lord of the Flies are younger, if memory serves. They are seeking social support regardless what goals the social circle presents. They become satisfied with a purpose to harm others, forming an in-group and attacking the out-group. We might consider a grim question whether the angel-like sister Phoebe, in her unconditional love, would continue to follow Holden if he would attempt to teach her to attack "phonies" physically. Conversely we might consider whether the "bad" boys would be redeemed by a leader with higher values, such as Peter Pan, or Father Flanagan from the movie "Boys Town".
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