Lord of the Flies

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   podunc Teacher
   College - Sophomore

   The "beast from air" that floats down to the island is a dead parachutist from an air "battle fought fought at ten miles' height" above the island. He is discovered by the twins Sam and Eric who, "as though they ha[ve] but one terrified mind between them," rush back to tell Ralph and the other boys.

   The figure of the dead parachutist is important because it is a tangible representation of what the boys fear the most. Since his death is caused by violence in the adult world, the parachutist forshadows additional bloodshed from the real beast--the "beast" within the boys themselves. Much like the "grownups" far away, the boys will begin a civil conflict that will end in death.

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   Posted by podunc on Friday May 2, 2008 at 10:54 AM
   
   

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