Lord of the Flies:Rant

WIlliam Golding, writes the novel The Lord of the Flies to tell us about the beast within us all. The novel specifically focuses on the beast within twelve year old boys and the results of what happens when there is no constricting adult society. Although the novel starts out at a slow pace, and gradually unfolds into chaotic behaviour; we are left with what some people believe to be a ‘happy ending’. In my opinion this novel isn't quite so happy and reassuring for, the last few lines is Ralph realising he will never be the same person again. He has come to the conclusion that he has lost his innocence, murdered a friend, and has seen a glimpse of humanity's beast.While some may believe the end to Golding’s novel is a happy one as they are rescued, I find it hard to believe it is so, as the novel ends with so many things left unsaid. We are never left to hear about what happens to the children, and how they fit back into society’s strict world. We are left with the children crying not for joy, but the sorrow of human nature. How can a novel be considered happy, when they cry for the horrors they have learnt? As well as the memories that will continually haunt them throughout the rest of their lives? How is it a happy ending when children will live with memories of war and bloodshed? Of death and loss? I am also left wondering how the ending is a happy one for jack, and the rest of the hunters. They do get rescued, although how will they take to civilized life once more? They have gotten used to the blood of animals and humans alike, they fight over power and authority. They are violent and vile beings, and will they continue to do so in normal society? Or will they once again have a subconscious mind to inform them of the wrongs they committed on the island. Will their minds remember, and slowly torture them with nightmares and images of blood, violence, chants, and pigs? The novel may end with a naval officer rescuing the boys, but we must remember these boys were not crying for the joy of being rescued but for the sorrow they have been infected with. They are inflicted with memories, guilt, and with the knowledge of the beast that lies within us all. Therefore, I believe this novel has a poor, unhappy ending that leaves us with nothing more than the sorrows and guilts of a child.