Lord of the Flies' will be forever recognized and regarded as a literary classic. Golding's novel effectively incorporates all the necessary characteristics of a classic, a credible plot, identifiable characters and a timeless, universal theme. Since being published in 1954, Golding's novel has captured the imagination and wonderment of generation after generation and will do so for many years to come, clearly earning the right to the title of literary classic'.
Golding's classic novel can be read on many levels. Superficially it is a story of young boys who get stranded on an island and turn savage; philosophically it is an evaluation of the true nature of man. The plot, written in the third person, is simple. The orientation of the book reveals a remote island setting. The central characters are introduced, Ralph who is elected leader of the entire group, Jack the leader of the Hunting party, Piggy who strives to maintain order, and Simon, quickly identified for his projection of serenity and mystique. The action escalates when the boy's fire rages out of control. Order has begun to descend into chaos. The story reaches its climax with the complete deterioration of order, Piggy being killed and Jack's inevitable seizure of power. A navy officer arrives just in time to rescue Ralph from being hunted by the other boys.
Another of the criteria for a literary classic', which Golding's novel fulfils, is the depiction of believable and story enhancing characters. Ralph exudes a charisma and aura of understanding and consequently is elected leader, a role he does not choose, but accepts as he sees the ethical necessity of someone taking charge. Throughout the book Ralph remains the representation of good. Ralph's morality is shown by his ability to apologize genuinely to Piggy, his remaining capacity to feel guilt after killing Simon, (something the other boys do not) and his understanding of the magnitude of loss and horror at what they have done....