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The words religion and god are never mentioned in the novella Lord of the Flies, yet some readers and critics see this work as ultimately reinforcing the Christian worldview of original sin, the fall of man, and the work of redeeming grace through our Savior Jesus Christ. What do you think? Does this short work by William Golding present a Christian or non-Christian worldview regarding any of the following topics: the nature of man, original sin, the fall of redemptman’s need for a savior, or any other topic?

A) The novella presents a Christian worldview
B) The novella presents a non-Christian worldview
C) The novella's worldview is open to interpretation
D) The novella does not address religious themes

User John Glabb
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Final answer:

William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' does not explicitly mention religion, leaving its worldview regarding topics like the nature of man, original sin, and the need for a savior open to interpretation. It can reflect Christian themes of the fall and inherent sinfulness but also presents Naturalistic elements where human rationality and social conditions are emphasized.

Step-by-step explanation:

The novella "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding does not explicitly mention religion or God. However, it is open to interpretation whether it presents a Christian worldview or not. Nature within the novel is depicted as a hostile environment that mirrors the inner chaos and moral decline of the boys on the island. The descent of the children from civilized individuals to savage beings can reflect the notion of the fall of man and original sin. The lack of an external savior in the story, and the imperfect intervention by the naval officer at the end, leaves the question of mankind's need for redemption and a savior open to the reader's interpretation. The novella portrays the nature of man as inherently flawed, reflecting the original sin doctrine adhered to in some Christian teachings. However, the ending with the naval officer does not provide a conclusive redeemer figure, and thus the work can also be seen as exploring themes aligning with a non-Christian worldview or Naturalistic philosophy, where human reason and social environments prevail over divine intervention.

User MetaSkills
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