I very much enjoyed this conversation with my fellow novelist, and my most appreciated editor at Chrism Press, Karen Ullo--and not least for the kind mention of my novel, The Good Death of Kate Montclair. Thanks, Ladies!
Some readers of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies may interpret the story as a bleak, hopeless commentary on humanity. I see it differently.
I admire Golding’s unflinching portrayal of human evil. To me, the purpose of Lord of the Flies is to hold up a mirror to humanity, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths and inspiring them to seek change through introspection.
When readers look into this mirror, they may be horrified to recognize themselves in Jack—the schemer, ready to prey on the weak. While some might recoil from this realization in fear, Golding challenges us to face Jack’s terrifying reflection and, through hope, take meaningful action to rise above it.
That's a great point! I haven't read it since high school...perhaps this is one of those that the "high school curriculum" doesn't typically quite do justice to since many adolescents will tend to focus only on the sensational/disturbing elements of the story, miss the nuance you're describing, and remember just enough to never want to pick it back up again (guilty of this!).
Hello Karen's husband! We so enjoyed talking to Karen and I love that you came to defend your view. You have made a compelling argument for me to read this book!
What a fun conversation! It made me excited to get writing again, and hopeful that there are publishers like Chrism press where I can find quality literature :)
I think Chrism Press will start helping us pick a modern book each year! I was so inspired after talking to Karen. And also, her book was such a treat to read this Fall!
I very much enjoyed this conversation with my fellow novelist, and my most appreciated editor at Chrism Press, Karen Ullo--and not least for the kind mention of my novel, The Good Death of Kate Montclair. Thanks, Ladies!
Some readers of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies may interpret the story as a bleak, hopeless commentary on humanity. I see it differently.
I admire Golding’s unflinching portrayal of human evil. To me, the purpose of Lord of the Flies is to hold up a mirror to humanity, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths and inspiring them to seek change through introspection.
When readers look into this mirror, they may be horrified to recognize themselves in Jack—the schemer, ready to prey on the weak. While some might recoil from this realization in fear, Golding challenges us to face Jack’s terrifying reflection and, through hope, take meaningful action to rise above it.
-Karen Ullo's husband
That's a great point! I haven't read it since high school...perhaps this is one of those that the "high school curriculum" doesn't typically quite do justice to since many adolescents will tend to focus only on the sensational/disturbing elements of the story, miss the nuance you're describing, and remember just enough to never want to pick it back up again (guilty of this!).
Hello Karen's husband! We so enjoyed talking to Karen and I love that you came to defend your view. You have made a compelling argument for me to read this book!
What a fun conversation! It made me excited to get writing again, and hopeful that there are publishers like Chrism press where I can find quality literature :)
I think Chrism Press will start helping us pick a modern book each year! I was so inspired after talking to Karen. And also, her book was such a treat to read this Fall!