Lord of the Flies and Home Alone Essay Example

comprehension and skill in the concept of creating a sundial and implementing it. Additionally, Ralph's previous knowledge of outdoor activities is evident in the quote: "There was the brilliant world of hunting, tactics, fierce exhilaration, skill; and there was the world of longing and baffled common-sense." (page 75). These quotes collectively emphasize how both "Lord of the Flies" and "Home Alone" share the theme of knowledge and wisdom.

Both "Home Alone" and "Lord of the Flies" delve into the themes of wisdom and loss of innocence. In "Home Alone," Kevin McCallister, despite his young age, exhibits remarkable wisdom when defending himself. Similarly, in "Lord of the Flies," the loss of innocence is portrayed through a quote suggesting that the island is only safe if there isn't an actual snake. This quote illustrates how initially, the characters perceive the island as a secure sanctuary but later become fearful and anxious upon encountering the "Beastie/snake-thing." This reference alludes to Adam and Eve from the Bible who were placed in a pure environment (the Garden of Eden) but lost their innocence after succumbing to temptation from a serpent and committing sin.

The children on the "good island" also started questioning its goodness after seeing the snake. This snake's presence foretells chaos and the loss of innocence among the children on the island. A quote on page 200 further exemplifies this: "You're a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief!" This quote illustrates that the children begin to turn against each other and are exposed to sinful actions such as theft and violent scenes. Innocent children start behaving like animals, as indicated by the words

"beast," "swine," and "charged." Additionally, the group chants "Kill the beast! Cut his throat!"

The loss of innocence is exemplified by the quote "Spill his blood!" (152) as it showcases the characters' transformation from hunting for survival to becoming savage and cruel creatures devoid of innocence. The use of the term "chant" highlights their unity and enthusiasm towards actions like "kill," "cut," and "spill." The children have become familiar with the madness of murder. This parallels the plot of the film "Home Alone" in which Kevin McCallister, initially a young innocent boy, sets traps and tries to outsmart criminals Harry and Marv to protect himself.

The movies "Home Alone" and "Lord of the Flies" both explore themes of innocence and power. In "Home Alone," Kevin McCallister gradually loses his innocence as he tries to harm the criminals. Similarly, in "Lord of the Flies," Ralph suggests having a leader and Jack arrogantly claims that role based on his previous roles as chapter chorister and head boy.

According to the quote "(1. 229-231)", Ralph's possession of power within the group of children is demonstrated through his superior qualities and attributes. Another quote that represents power is, "A fire! Make a fire!" This quote portrays Jack's ability to command half of the boys, while disregarding the conch. Simultaneously, Ralph tries to restore order by shouting for quiet, but his efforts go unnoticed. Suddenly, the crowd follows Jack, swaying towards the island and abandoning Ralph. (2. 120-123).

The quote emphasizes Jack's formidable power and his insatiable hunger for control. He suggests the creation of a fire as a means to attract attention, which his peers

approve and proceed to enact. Additionally, Ralph exercises his power by pushing Piggy aside and asserting his authority as the elected chief. These instances reflect the theme of power within the film "Home Alone".

Both "Home Alone" and "Lord of the Flies" explore power and fear. In "Home Alone", Kevin McCallister displays his power by looking after himself and defending his house from burglars in Chicago. Likewise, fear is a prominent theme in both narratives. In "Lord of the Flies", fear is depicted through the quote "We may stay here till we die," highlighting the intensifying heat and the intimidating lagoon (1. 125).

According to this quote, even the great chief himself shows fear of what the island truly holds. Another quote in Lord of the Flies also demonstrates fear, as Jack notices and discusses how afraid everyone is. Specifically, they dream and talk about a possible beast or snake-thing on the island, making them frightened. Simon interrupts to remind everyone of their belief in the existence of the beastie. Furthermore, Jack confesses to feeling hunted in the jungle, as if something is constantly following him. This signifies the fear that overtakes the littluns regarding the snake-thing or beastie. It makes them so terrified that they struggle to sleep at night, uncertain if they will be attacked.

The last quote in "Lord of the Flies" that resembles fear states, "[...] It was furry. There was something moving behind its head – wings. The beast moved too – 'That was awful. It kind of sat up –' [...] 'There were eyes –' 'Teeth –' 'Claws –' 'We ran as fast as we could

–'" (6. 67-75). This quote effectively portrays the fear experienced by all the characters upon encountering the beast. In a similar fashion, the theme of fear is also present in "Home Alone" when Kevin McCallister is left home alone and is spotted by Harry and Marv while he returns from the store. Upon seeing them, Kevin becomes frightened and starts running.

Kevin McCallister displays fear when his older brother Buzz McCallister recounts the terrifying tale of Old Man Marley, who allegedly murders individuals and disposes of their bodies in his trash bin. Kevin peers through his window and becomes startled by the presence of Old Man Marley, who locks eyes with him. Another instance highlighting fear is depicted in the film "Home Alone" as Kate McCallister boards a plane only to realize that she has unintentionally abandoned her son in Chicago. Upon arriving at her destination, she promptly contacts her neighbors, urgently requesting them to check on him.

In summary, there are several similarities between William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" and John Hughes's "Home Alone". Both stories depict children who are stranded in challenging situations - the kids on an island and Kevin McCallister in a house in Chicago. In order to avoid chaos and anarchy, it becomes crucial for both groups to attain personal independence and restore social order.

All of these characters gain self-assurance and apply their own laws and authorities. As a result, both the children in "lord of the flies" and Kevin McCallister in "Home Alone" realize, through fear and loss of innocence, the importance of implementing rules and laws to avoid chaos and anarchy within a

society.