Plots in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Since the dawn of time, the world has filled lives with threats. Threats are a natural part of living, whether it is an every day life threatening moment or intentional warnings. In literature, threats are used to develop a story and add depth to each character. Confrontation is used as the building blocks for all of English literature. Threats give an atmosphere to characters for dynamics and ultimatums. Both Of Mice and Men and Lord of the Flies have the significance of threats to build plots.
One way author's build a story is by using indirect threats such as foreshadowing or significant actions. Threats are not always audible words. John Steinbeck uses a scowl to threaten Lennie in Of Mice and Men. In this, George had warned Lennie not to say a word to anyone because he might lose the job for them, Lennie starts to speak anyway. “George scowled at him, and Lennie dropped his head in shame at having forgotten” (24). A look was all it took for Lennie to revoke talking. Similarly, William Golding made use of foreshadow in Lord of the Flies when the boys scale the mountain to search for the beast (105-106). The tone is ominous and the threat of death lingers on any false move made on the steep cliff side. The scene is described with strange growths, waters whispering like the wind and the sea is referred to as the sleeping leviathan. In due time, the questionable scene is answered when Piggy's death occurs. The rocks that were tumbling on the cliff side were ultimately what killed Piggy. Later, a threat on Simon's life is made by the Lord of the Flies when it reveals that the beast is something that cannot be hunted or killed, but is inside of him. “We are going to have fun on this island...we shall do you” (144). It is never literally stated that Simon's life is in danger but it is a veiled motive. Simon's death follows soon after this encounter.
Another indirect threat is as natural as every day life. Life threatening situations is what dominates both stories. An obvious threat is the island dangers in Lord of the Flies and escaping a lynching mob from Weed in Of Mice and Men. Curley's wife uses this same threat against Crooks' life, “Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny.