Write a note on Coral Island. [2021] ✪✪✪
Or, Write a short note on Coral Island. [2017]
William Golding (1911–1993), in his novel “Lord of the Flies” (1954), was inspired by R. M. Ballantyne’s adventure story “The Coral Island” (1858). Golding’s novel presents the opposite idea. While The Coral Island portrays innocence, Golding reveals the darker side of human nature.
Story of the Coral Island: The Coral Island tells the story of three British boys—Ralph, Jack, and Peterkin—stranded on a beautiful island. They face dangers but remain brave, honest, and civilized. The island becomes a place of adventure and learning. The boys work together and defeat evil forces around them. Ballantyne’s story shows human goodness and Christian values. It teaches courage, friendship, and moral strength. The tone of the story is hopeful, as good ultimately prevails over evil.
Golding’s Reversal of the Idea: Golding takes the same setting but changes the meaning completely. His “Lord of the Flies”
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The Coral Island”—become enemies. Civilization breaks down, and savagery rises. Golding proves that evil is not outside but inside human beings. Simon says,
“Maybe there is a beast... maybe it’s only us.”
Through this contrast, Golding rejects Ballantyne’s ideal image of innocent boys.
Moral Purpose and Realism: Ballantyne’s story is romantic and moral. But Golding’s version is realistic and dark. In “Lord of the Flies,” the island becomes a mirror of real society. The boys’ failure reflects man’s failure in war and politics. Golding uses the same island story to explore human weakness, fear, and violence. His work is a modern moral fable that reveals the truth about human nature.
Thus, The Coral Island represents innocence and adventure. “Lord of the Flies” reveals the nature of evil and the truth. Golding’s novel corrects Ballantyne’s idealism and shows that even children carry the seed of corruption within.
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