IndexThe lagoon as an oasis of hopeThe lagoon as a catalyst for savageryThe lagoon as a microcosm of societyConclusionBibliographyIn William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, the lagoon serves as a key setting which reflects the state of the kids' society on the desert island. The lagoon, with its calm waters and surrounding wild nature, initially represents a sanctuary and a source of livelihood for the children. However, as the story progresses, the lagoon gradually transforms into a symbol of chaos and savagery. This essay will explore the significance of the lagoon in Lord of the Flies and its role in illustrating the deterioration of the boys' civilization. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Lagoon as an Oasis of Hope At the beginning of the novel, the lagoon is described as a safe haven for the boys, providing them with a source of water and food. Golding describes the lagoon as “a long silver pool that was lost in the bright tropical sea” (Golding 23). The sparkling waters and abundance of fish offer a glimmer of hope to the boys, who are stranded on the island without adult supervision. The lagoon also serves as a meeting place for the boys, where they can gather and discuss their survival plans. . It becomes a symbol of their attempts to maintain order and establish some semblance of civilization. This is evident when Ralph, the elected leader, calls a meeting at the lagoon to discuss building shelters. The lagoon serves as a physical space in which children can organize themselves and express their democratic ideals. Additionally, the lagoon's serene atmosphere and natural beauty provide kids with a sense of comfort and relaxation. It becomes a place where they can momentarily escape the harsh reality of their situation. The clear waters and lush surrounding vegetation offer a temporary respite from the fears and anxieties that plague their minds. Golding writes, "Here the beach was interrupted abruptly by the square pattern of the landscape; a great platform of pink granite rose uncompromisingly through the forest, terrace, sand, and lagoon to form a raised pier four feet high" (Golding 30 ). The lagoon, along with its picturesque surroundings, is a reminder of the boys' connection to nature and their desire for a return to civilization. The lagoon as a catalyst for ferocity Despite its initial tranquility, the lagoon gradually becomes a catalyst for the boys' ferocity. descent into the wild. As their civilization crumbles and their innate instincts take over, the lagoon becomes a place of violence and brutality. A fundamental event that marks this change is the killing of the sow in the lagoon. The boys, led by Jack, succumb to their primal desires and engage in a frenzied act of violence. Golding describes the scene vividly: "They were dancing and laughing and shouting, and the little boys with blood on their hands and faces were screaming and running in circles, urging each other to get up and fight" (Golding 135). The lagoon, once a peaceful refuge, now witnesses the transformation of boys into wild hunters. The killing of the sow not only symbolizes the boys' loss of innocence, but also their complete detachment from civilization. Furthermore, the lagoon becomes associated with death and destruction as the novel progresses. It serves as the location where Simon's life is tragically taken away. The boys, driven by fear and a mistaken identity, brutally kill Simon, mistaking him for the beast. The lagoon, which was once a place of life and renewal, now becomes a disturbing memory, 1954.