Abstract: After a brief introduction to William Golding and his masterpiece Lord of the Flies, this thesis first reviews the development of English desert island literature and its features: setting the desert island as background, trilogy of plots, themes of experiments, construction and adventure. Furthermore, the thesis points out how these features are shown in Lord of the Flies. After that the thesis illustrates how Golding broke through the tradition of English desert island literature in theme and characterization. In the end the author draws the conclusion that analysis of tradition and breakthrough of English desert island literature makes readers have a better understanding of this great book.

Key words: desert island literature；William Golding；Lord of the Flies

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction .1

1.1 Introduction to William Golding

1.2 Introduction to Lord of the Flies

1.3 Introduction to Desert Island Literature

2. Features of English Desert Island Literature as Shown in Lord of the Flies……3

2.1 Setting Background on a Desert Island

2.2 Trilogy of Plots

2.2.1 Being Stranded on a Desert Island

2.2.2 Making Adventures on the Desert Island

2.2.3 Being Rescued and Leaving the Desert Island

2.3 Literature of Experiments

2.4 Literature of Construction

2.5 Literature of Adventures

3. Breakthrough of Desert Island Literature as Shown in Lord of the Flies.6

3.1 Breakthrough in Theme: Exposure of Human Beings’ Evil Nature

3.2 Breakthrough in Characterization

3.2.1 The Change of Male Images

3.2.2 The New Significance of the Absence of Women

4. Conclusion  8

Bibliography 12

Acknowledgments .13