Christopher Booker is a scholar who wrote that every story falls into one of seven basic plot structures: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, the Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth. Shmoop explores which of these structures fits this story like Cinderella’s slipper.
Plot Type : Voyage and Return
Anticipation Stage
Crash and Burn
When their plane crashes, the boys who were on board find themselves on a strange island where they have never been before. Needless to say, this is a new situation for them. They're stoked to be the boss of themselves, but not so stoked to be stuck here forever.
Initial Fascination or Dream Stage
Mine, All Mine! I Mean, Ours!
The boys are having a great time running around naked and establishing a system of rules and order and that's going to last about five minutes before the spears and body paints come out.
Frustration Stage
You're Not the Boss of Me
Ralph realizes that governing a group of wild boys is about as much fun as it sounds, and he goes head-to-head with Jack over such important issues as "fire" vs. "pig." On top of it all, he has to deal with everyone's irrational fears. It's lonely at the top—especially when no one will listen to reason.
Nightmare Stage
Who Let the Boys Out?
And we've moved steadily to murder and chaos. Simon and Piggy are killed, the island is blazing, and Ralph is on the verge of being killed himself. Pretty nightmarish.
Thrilling Escape and Return
Saved!
At the last minute, Ralph rolls onto the beach and looks up to see a Naval officer standing over him. This would be a thrilling escape if it weren't for the fact that the boys are going back to a world as bad as the one they're leaving.