Where are the Grown-Ups? Thinking about Anarchy with “Lord of the Flies”

Abstract

The 1963 Peter Brook version of Sir William Golding's Lord of the Flies is a classic film that can be an instructive metaphor for International Studies and Political Science students to think about the concept of anarchy. This article explores a variety of International Relations theories by juxtaposing them with six separate themes developed by the film. After a short film synopsis and concept definition, the paper will address the following themes developed within the film: the absence of authority, the disruption of natural harmony, hegemonic power, rules and institutions, self-help and the security dilemma, and group competition. At the end of each theme, the author provides potential discussion questions on the film and the concept of anarchy.

Keywords:

• Active learning
• anarchy
• critical thinking
• film in the classroom
• international relations instruction

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Timothy Crawford and the two anonymous reviewers for their generous and constructive feedback on previous versions of the paper.

Notes

1 Note for instructors: I highly recommend the 1963 film version over the 1990 version for two reasons. First, black and white film has a better documentary effect. Second, the 1963 ending with the naval officer in a pristine uniform, complete with white shorts and white knee-high socks, is a much more stunning and civilized image in comparison to the modern marine landing with full camouflage, face paint, and M16 rifle. To aid discussion, the film is more powerful in its entirety as opposed to watching small clips or selected scenes.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William C. Mayborn

William C. Mayborn is an adjunct professor at Boston College’s Woods College of Advancing Studies, Babson College, and Bentley University.