Psychiatric follow-up study of Lord of the Flies survivors

Lord of the Flies -- William Golding's main, living protagonists, before, one year later, and into the farther future

Summary of psychiatric research and follow-up on 'the boys' who were stranded on the island of J

Given the extremity of what occurred, it was deemed wise that the individuals involved in the 'incidents of the island' (as they are euphemistically described, to protect the reputations of the minors in question) be evaluated by a psychiatrist, appointed by the court on a regular basis

One year later Ralph

Prior to the plane crash, Ralph was described by friends and family as a popular, confident boy. The therapist's interview with him revealed a surprising maturity in one so young that was consistent with the reports of adults, both family and teachers, who had encountered Ralph. Subsequent to being released back into civilization, what is most surprising about Ralph is not that he has shown no ill effects, but that he almost seems improved by the experience. His teachers report that he now refuses to tolerate the taunting and tormenting of other children, no matter what their physical capabilities, and reacts to insults to other boys as if they were personal insults. Ralph has also shown greater diligence in completing chores at home.

What is also surprising about Ralph is that he seems to care less about what other boys think of him, yet has received more approbation from his peers. When playing an informal game of rugby, it was noted that he insist his fellow school chums allow the less capable and younger students to join in the game, and when taking turns in school, he insisted that it was only fair that everyone get a chance to go first at desirable activities, like selecting what foods to have at different class parties or to stand at the front of the line when going to recess. He has shown diligent application in his schoolwork as well, and expresses the desire to 'make something of himself' when he graduates from school. 'What matters in life is that you don't let others tell you what to do,' he says, 'if they don't have good sense.' He stresses that he wants to become brighter so that he will not end up in a job where his fate is controlled by other people. Ralph still remains reticent, however, as to the exact details of how the one child who did not survive the island was killed. His parents have reported that the boy has not had any nightmares, or trouble sleeping or eating, all of which are good signs.

Although the school did not have such institutions before, Ralph encouraged the creation of a student council with elected officials, so that the boys could inform the teachers if they had any disagreement with school policy. Unsurprisingly, Ralph was placed at the head of this council by school election. The newly elected representative body had shown some innovations, such as the introduction of more palatable food into the cafeteria menu, for example, and a later lights-out for the boys on evenings when they have midterm and final exams.

Jack

Jack has returned to his participation in the school choir, and his teachers also praise his leadership ability. However, a minority of teachers have noted that he has gained a reputation as a bully amongst some of the younger and less capable students. One teacher noted that Jack "really let a boy have it" when he did not, in Jack's estimation, seem to be practicing enough outside of rehearsals. Later it was discovered that the boy's voice was breaking unusually early and it was not the younger child's fault at all.

Jack's performance in school can best be described as erratic. In subjects that he enjoys, he can shine. However, in other subject areas, or in classes with notably demanding masters, his diligence can falter, and he has a low frustration level, despite his brightness. He has been cited for talking back to several of his schoolmasters when he felt that they had assigned too much homework, particularly on days near choir performances. This was quite difficult, because Jack would not merely complain, but try to turn the other students in the class against the teacher.

Jack has had some notable successes in his classes. His history teacher notes with approval some impressive work that he has done researching the first war. Jack came in with an extensive array of pictures of various military uniforms and weapons used during the war, which he eagerly presented to the class. He also sang some songs used in marching by the army. Jack has spoken of perhaps enlisting in Her Majesty's army and becoming an officer when he is old enough, although he would only wish to do so after graduating from a university. Jack dreams someday of going to Oxford or Cambridge, stating that he will only be satisfied with the best of schools.

Jack's parents have been concerned with his behavior outside of school. When the family dog chewed one of Jack's favorite possessions, a choir medallion given for Jack's excellence in singing, Jack punished the dog with his fists and threw a tantrum to the point that Jack's parents were afraid for the dog's safety. The parents of one young boy in the neighborhood noted that Jack had been telling frightening stories to the boy, if he did not do Jack's bidding. Jack told the girl that a fearsome beast would come to get the boy at night, and he knew where the creature lurked, even though no one else did. When questioned about this, Jack said he had just been telling a ghost story, and had been misunderstood. But Jack is often condescending to some of the younger children in his neighborhood and at school, according to some parents, which has made him unpopular with certain teachers assigned to supervise the children socially.

Some of Jack's instructors praise him highly, however, most notably the choir leader. He has established a close relationship with Jack and attributes some of the resentment shown towards Jack as the result of student jealousy, and states that it is unfounded. The man called Jack a natural leader and perfectionist. Although described as not a naturally gifted athlete, Jack can shine in sports when the 'pressure is on,' and is described as utterly fearless when playing rugby or cricket. Even when injured, he will willingly play through the pain.

Twenty plus years later Ralph

Ralph was elected to the House of Commons as one of the youngest member of the Labour Party in the current Parliament, and has shown tireless work in fighting for the rights of the common man, the sick, and the disabled. He has vehemently opposed greater spending upon defense by the British government. He is described as a loving husband and father to a young son, in whose rearing he is passionately involved, despite his busy schedule. Ralph also says that he is a great sports fan, with a particular fondness for following cricket. He is known for his quick wit in Parliamentary debate, and many of his constituents praise the way that his bills have made life better for ordinary Britons. His face, with his trademark fair hair, lean tanned face, and glasses that he has been wearing since university, are often seen on the front pages of the newspaper and usually attached to articles advance great praise for Ralph's work.

Jack

Jack attended Cambridge University, and obtained a 'first' in history. He did then attempt to join the army, but was rejected as physically unfit. While at Cambridge, he contracted a very violent case of pneumonia, which weakened his constitution. To this day, Jack says that he is bitter, never having served in the army. At present, Jack teaches history as well as leads the choir at one of the most famous public (private) schools in all of England. He is known as an unsparing taskmaster and disciplinarian of the young boys, although the head of the school praises Jack, noting that he is one of the most dedicated teachers in the entire school.

Jack never married, which may be partially attributed to the difficulty of maintaining a relationship with a woman at a boarding school where schoolmasters have many duties supervising the students outside of the school environment. While at university, he dated several women on a serial basis, but never established a long-term relationship with any of them.

Simon

Simon has shown the most unusual evolution of all of the young men who have returned from the island. His hallucinations began to abate after he entered puberty, and Simon elected to enter the Church of England, believing that he had a religious calling. At present, he is working in a Church mission in Africa that provides aid to the sick, and is trying to improve the basic physical conditions of people living in England's former colonies. Although the mission has often faced difficulties, including poor sanitary conditions, and attacks by anti-Western demonstrators, Simon remains unusually upbeat about his ability to do good work, and to survive in the world. He is married to an Englishwoman who also works at the mission, although they do not have children at present.