Lord of the Flies- Straight from the Horse's Mouth

I am listening to a very interesting audio book version of Lord of the Flies by William Golding

The novel is read by the author. Mr. Golding is not the best orator I have heard, but I am enjoying his halting British accent with the punctuation of breaths, sniffs and occasional sighs. There is something about hearing a book straight from the author's mouth.

This is the first time I have heard an author speak a few extemporaneous lines at the end of each chapter, though.
He also spoke at the beginning about why he decided to write the story, use boys instead of girls and soforth.

The comments all appear to be totally unscripted. For example: (paraphrased) "Well, this is the end of Chapter Two. Let me think, what was I trying to say?"

And such.

At the end of the chapter where the boys had formed alliances and leaders had emerged, one boy broke away from the pack. The author in his end of chapter reflections said (again highly paraphrased) this:

"I would think that about this point in time many schoolteachers would be asking their students to try and think of what meanings I am trying to put into these events. What deeper parallels exist with mankind and the world today. This is all well and good, but remember, this is a story to be enjoyed."

Touche' Mr. Golding !

How many great stories have been ruined by contrived analysis? I can remember so many short stories I read in high school thoroughly skewered by the well-meaning teacher's attempt to get me to say what she wanted me to hear, or make some insightful remark about the author's intent.

However, shortly after the author's comment he did reflect on what he saw happen with the League of Nations in Europe and how it was formed to 'prevent all future wars', upon whose heals WWII soon started. So, guess he did have some intent in mind. :)

There are parallels and insightful things to think about with literature. But, maybe Mr. Golding just want us first to *enjoy* the story.

Then we can think about it.