In the context of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, “torrid” functions as an adjective. It signifies a climate characterized by intense heat and aridity, often implying passion or difficulty. For example, a description might state, “The boys struggled to adapt to the island’s torrid conditions,” indicating the harsh environmental reality they faced. The term emphasizes the oppressive and unrelenting nature of the tropical setting.
The significance of employing such descriptive language lies in its ability to establish the formidable challenges the stranded boys must overcome. The sweltering environment not only contributes to their physical discomfort but also exacerbates tensions and primal instincts. This harsh climate acts as a catalyst, accelerating the boys’ descent into savagery and reflecting the internal “heat” of their escalating conflict. The novels reliance on vivid descriptions of the environment emphasizes natures indifference and its potential to undermine civilization.
