The adjective “daunting” describes something that appears difficult to accomplish or overcome, inspiring fear or discouragement. In the context of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the challenges faced by the stranded boys, such as establishing order, securing resources, and maintaining hope for rescue, can all be considered formidable. For instance, building shelters in the face of dwindling resources and growing internal conflict presents a truly discouraging task.
The concept of overwhelming challenges is crucial to understanding the novel’s themes. The boys’ initial excitement at their newfound freedom quickly gives way to the grim reality of survival. The absence of adult authority and the gradual descent into savagery makes the prospect of maintaining civilization an increasingly difficult and frightening ordeal. This central struggle highlights the fragility of societal structures and the inherent human capacity for both good and evil. The historical context of post-World War II, where the novel was written, provides a framework for understanding this exploration of human nature under pressure.
