Lord of the Flies and The Hunger Games Comparison

A comparison of the Lord of the Flies and The Hunger Games is notably a situation of civilization meets savagery. In particular, William Golding’s book Lord of the Flies and Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games share significant similarities typified by prevailing literature features. For example, the books are commonly compared in literature because their narration of human nature presents characteristics with comparable traits, personalities, and motives. Amer (2019) elucidates this further by showing that the adventure in both books reveals how a corrupt society that lacks civilization is more likely to allow savagery to take over. Additionally, both pieces of literature compare to each other in that the characters are characterized by power-hunger as each one struggles to surpass everyone. Thus, from a comparative point of assessment, The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies are symmetrical versions of each other, containing an in-depth examination of behaviors intrinsic to human nature.

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Plot

The symmetrical version of the two pieces, especially how they share the same narrative, is evident in their extraordinary plots (Demerjian, 2016). The Hunger Games‘s plot is set in a post-apocalyptic world in North America (Collin, 2008). In this setting, the book explores how two teenagers from twelve districts were to participate in an annual festive known as Hunger Games (Collin, 2008). The two main characters, Katniss and Peeta, group together to become more resilient and defiant after being mentored by Haymitch Abernathy, leading to their victory. On the other hand, the plot in Lord of the Flies is set on a deserted island containing a group of British schoolboys who were left stranded after a plane crash (Golding, 1954). Like in The Hunger Games, the novel’s main characters regroup in an attempt to work together.

Style

The two books compare to each other in terms of writing styles. They both use a simplistic and straightforward approach. Golding’s (1954) writing style is relatively straightforward as it avoids philosophical interludes, lengthy descriptions, and highly poetic language. Additionally, much of the writing is metaphorical, which means that the objects and characters are infused with symbolic significance that allows the author to convey the novel’s central ideas and themes. For example, in exploring how the boys adapt on the island, Golding uses a broad spectrum to show humans’ responses to change, stress, and tension. Similarly, Collins’ writing style is simple, direct, and plain. The simplistic style helps narrate the games so that the occurrences perfectly fit the characters and their unsophisticated background (Collin, 2008). The story also develops in the first person, which makes it easy for the readers to understand the tale from the perspective of a young adult.

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Historical Context

The historical context of Lord of the Flies was during apocalyptic America. Specifically, the story’s production, release, and reception occurred immediately after World War II and the Cold War battles (Golding, 1954). Additionally, the story captures the idea that William Golding served as a junior officer, and the war significantly influenced his writing. His experience during the war, especially what he witnessed firsthand, shaped his perception of cruelty and violence. In The Hunger Games, the military context also prevails. Supporting evidence shows that a military father brought up Suzanne Collins. Besides, the military pact was part of their family since her grandfather had participated in World War 1, her uncle in World War II, and her father in the Vietnam war (Collin, 2008). Therefore, her connection to war was significant in her writing.

Art Context

The two books also compare each other in terms of artistic style. In this context, the inferred art style denotes the use of fire in both narrations. An overall analysis reveals that The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies both use fire in different instances. In Lord of the Flies, fire is used at the start as the characters attempt to signal a passing ship (Golding, 1954). In The Hunger Games, fire is also used at the start of the annual festivals at the Capitol (Collin, 2008). The fire is lit to signify the start of the ceremony and draw people to the arena. The use of fire in both scenarios is notable as they assist in gaining the attention of others.

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In conclusion, The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies are symmetrical versions of each other, containing an in-depth examination of behaviors intrinsic to human nature. More precisely, William Golding’s book Lord of the Flies and Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games share significant similarities typified by prevailing literature features, such as their characteristics having comparable traits, personalities, and motives. Further, the symmetrical version of the two pieces is evident in their extraordinary plots, which are intriguing and gripping. The two books also compare to each other in artistic style, including the characters’ use of fire in different incidents. Overall, a comparative analysis of the Lord of the Flies and The Hunger Games illustrates the situation of civilization meets savagery.