Explain how to compare the view of the world in Lord of the Flies and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Lord of the Flies and To Kill a Mockingbird have contrasting worldviews, which are illustrated by the plot, characters, and tone of both novels. Throughout Lord of the Flies, William Golding reveals his negative worldviewby depicting how the boys gradually descend into savagery once they land on an uninhabited island. Golding's belief that human beings are inherently evil is portrayed through the actions of Jack and his hunters, as well as Simon's interaction...

Lord of the Flies and To Kill a Mockingbird have contrasting worldviews, which are illustrated by the plot, characters, and tone of both novels. Throughout Lord of the Flies, William Golding reveals his negative worldview by depicting how the boys gradually descend into savagery once they land on an uninhabited island. Golding's belief that human beings are inherently evil is portrayed through the actions of Jack and his hunters, as well as Simon's interaction with the Lord of the Flies. Overall, the boys revert to their primitive nature and engage in barbarism without the influence of society to suppress and control their natural instincts. Golding's negative worldview stems from his participation in WWII, where he fought for the Royal Navy. Of his WWII experiences, Golding has said,

I began to see what people were capable of doing. Anyone who moved through those years without understanding that man produces evil as a bee produces honey, must have been blind or wrong in the head.

In contrast, Harper Lee shares a relatively positive worldview through the perception of Scout and the actions of her father. Atticus Finch is a morally upright lawyer, who valiantly defends Tom Robinson in front of a prejudiced jury. Despite the overt prejudice throughout the community, Atticus has hope that all citizens will one day be perceived and treated as equals. He is also a tolerant man who sees the best in every person and gives them the benefit of the doubt. Atticus even believes that Bob Ewell has overcome his grudge after spitting in his face. Even mean individuals are portrayed as having positive character traits. Both Mrs. Dubose and Aunt Alexandra are portrayed as inherently good people with some positive characters traits. Atticus's perception of people and Scout's accepting, tolerant personality reflect Lee's worldview. Overall, Lee's story depicts how morally upright individuals with integrity positively impact people around them and influence them to change for the better.