Trauma, Dystopia, and the Beast Within: A Study of William Golding's Lord of the Flies

This paper examines William Golding’s Lord of the Flies through the lens of trauma theory and the genre of dystopian literature. Written in the shadow of World War II and the Cold War, the novel reflects the psychological and societal breakdowns that result from trauma. Drawing on Golding’s wartime experiences, the narrative portrays the descent into savagery among a group of boys stranded on a deserted island. This descent is analysed in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), societal collapse, and the loss of innocence. Drawing on insights from trauma theory and dystopian scholarship, this study examines how the novel’s dystopian vision functions as a warning against the more sinister dimensions of human nature. The work underscores the enduring impact of trauma on individuals and societies, making it a thought-provoking reflection of its time and a timeless exploration of humanity’s dual capacity for creation and destruction.