Book details
![The Coral Island [with Biographical Introduction]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoppol-cdn-gegscnbjbshwbsea.z02.azurefd.net%2Fimages%2Fprod%2F9781853261701-1729932946407.webp&w=3840&q=75)
The Coral Island [with Biographical Introduction]
Description
The Coral Island - A Tale of the Pacific Ocean - opens with the shipwreck on a Pacific Island of the young friends Ralph Rover and Jack Martin and Peterkin Gray. Despite the pleasurable presence of delicious breadfruit, coconuts, and succulent oysters, the intrepid trio are not alone and they soon witness a battle between rival bands of cannibals led by 'Bloody Bill'.Their lives are placed in serious peril from which only courage and determined pluck can save them.
An enormously popular adventure since its publication in 1857, it provoked William Golding to write Lord of the Flies, offering an alternative view of how English boys would behave when released from the constraints of civilisation.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
expert
Length
272 pages
Why to read
- Adventure and Escapism: 'The Coral Island' offers readers an exciting adventure story set on a picturesque tropical island. It allows readers to escape into a world of exploration, survival, and discovery, away from the mundanities of everyday life.
- Moral and Educational Value: R. M. Ballantyne's novel is not only entertaining but also imparts important moral lessons and ethical values. It explores themes of friendship, self-reliance, and the importance of working together, which are valuable for readers of all ages.
- Historical Significance: As a classic of children's literature, 'The Coral Island' provides insight into Victorian attitudes towards colonialism, empire, and the 'noble savage' myth. Reading it offers a historical perspective on how such narratives have shaped modern views.
- Influence on Later Works: This novel has inspired many other adventure stories, including William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies,' which directly references 'The Coral Island.' Understanding Ballantyne's work can enhance the appreciation of its influence on subsequent literature.