Is “Lord of the Flies” Dystopian?

"Lord of the Flies" is often regarded as a dystopian novel, depicting a society that has completely devolved into savagery and chaos. However, a closer examination of the book's themes and ideas through the lens of Nietzschean philosophy reveals that it is not a dystopian novel at all.

Nietzsche, a German philosopher, famously wrote about the concept of the "Übermensch" or the "Superman," a being who rises above the masses and creates their own values and morality. In "Lord of the Flies," the character of Jack embodies this concept. He rejects the morality and values of the society the boys came from and creates his own, centered around power and dominance.

Furthermore, Nietzsche believed that morality was a construct created by society to control and limit individuals. In "Lord of the Flies," the boys are freed from the constraints of society and are able to act on their primal instincts without any external restrictions. This is not a dystopian society but rather a return to a natural state of being, free from the constraints of civilization.

Additionally, Nietzsche believed that the strong should rule over the weak, a concept that is clearly reflected in Jack's rise to power on the island. He is able to dominate and control the other boys, who follow him out of fear and a desire for protection.

Overall, "Lord of the Flies" is not a dystopian novel, but rather a reflection of Nietzschean philosophy in action. It portrays a world where individuals are free to create their own morality and values, where the strong dominate the weak, and where primal instincts are unleashed without the constraints of society. It is a powerful examination of human nature and the limits of civilization, and one that challenges our preconceived notions of what constitutes a dystopian society.