If you read our article on the Mysterious Meaning of the Song In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida you will see that Modern Dad Survival (MDS) is into musical folklore. This post will examine “Hotel California” and some rock folklore that was introduced to me in a high school English class. I had a high school English teacher who was probably ahead of her time when it came to legalization. She assigned us a project, that at the time, I thought was a real drag. In retrospect, I now greatly appreciate this assignment. The assignment was not only creative, but it also forced me to listen to “Hotel California” by the Eagles on repeat. Her assignment was to link to why “Hotel California” was loosely based on the book Lord of the Flies.
Trying to Re-Read Lord of the Flies
I vaguely remember my paper and how I linked some obvious things between the two works (i.e. “just can’t kill the beast” from “Hotel California” and the kids imagination of a “Beast” on their island). I don’t remember what grade I got, but I am guessing it was a passable effort.
So recently, I tried to re-read Lord of the Flies, so that I could really examine this linkage. I got about 25% into the book and just couldn’t do it. I love to read, but I typically like something a bit more uplifting as my reading is primarily before going to bed. So, I gave up and thought of abandoning this project. But then Artificial Intelligence (AI) hit the scene.
Linking “Hotel California” to Lord of the Flies
When I first heard about the power of AI, I thought that there was no way it could achieve what its advocates described. I thought I would give it a test drive by trying to give it the most bizarre assignment that I had ever encountered. I asked AI to crank out a “900-word blog post exploring the similarities between William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies and the Eagles’ song “Hotel California””.
AI’s Answer:
William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” and the Eagles’ “Hotel California” may seem like an unlikely pairing at first glance. One is a classic novel about a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island, while the other is a hit song from the 1970s known for its haunting guitar riffs and enigmatic lyrics. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that these two works share some striking similarities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the parallels between “Lord of the Flies” and “Hotel California,” examining their themes, motifs, and symbolism.
One of the most obvious similarities between “Lord of the Flies” and “Hotel California” is their focus on isolation and confinement. In the novel, the boys find themselves trapped on an island after a plane crash, forced to fend for themselves without adult supervision. Similarly, the lyrics of “Hotel California” describe a place where “you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.” Both works depict a sense of entrapment, where the characters feel stuck in a situation they cannot escape.
Another shared theme between “Lord of the Flies” and “Hotel California” is the descent into chaos and savagery. As the boys on the island become more and more desperate, they begin to shed their civilized behaviors and adopt more primitive ways of thinking and acting. This devolution is mirrored in the lyrics of “Hotel California,” which describe a world where “the last thing I remember, I was running for the door / I had to find the passage back to the place I was before.” The line suggests a fall from grace, a loss of innocence, and a longing to return to a previous state of being.
Both works also feature symbols of power and control. In “Lord of the Flies,” the conch shell serves as a symbol of order and authority, representing the rules and structures of society. As the novel progresses and the boys become more savage, the conch shell loses its significance, replaced by the fearsome and violent pig’s head on a stake. Similarly, “Hotel California” features imagery of luxury and excess, with the hotel serving as a symbol of indulgence and debauchery. The song’s narrator describes how he became “addicted to the thrill” and “lost my grip on reality,” suggesting a loss of control and a surrender to hedonistic impulses.
The idea of illusion versus reality is another common thread between “Lord of the Flies” and “Hotel California.” On the island, the boys initially believe they will be rescued and cling to the hope of returning home. However, as time passes, they come to realize that no rescue is coming, and their fantasies of escape are shattered. Similarly, the lyrics of “Hotel California” suggest a blurring of the lines between reality and illusion, with the narrator describing how he “had to find the passage back to the place I was before” – implying a disconnect between his current state and his true self.
Finally, both works grapple with the concept of human nature and morality. In “Lord of the Flies,” Golding explores the darker aspects of humanity, arguing that humans have an innate tendency towards violence and destruction. The novel asks difficult questions about ethics and morality, challenging readers to consider what they would do in a similar situation. Likewise, “Hotel California” touches on moral decay and the consequences of indulging one’s basest desires. The song warns against the dangers of excess and addiction, cautioning listeners to avoid becoming consumed by their own desires and losing sight of what truly matters.
In conclusion, despite their surface-level differences, “Lord of the Flies” and “Hotel California” share several compelling similarities. Both works examine isolation, chaos, power struggles, illusions vs. reality, and human nature. While one is a literary masterpiece and the other a rock anthem, both offer thought-provoking commentaries on the human condition. Perhaps, then, it’s not so surprising that these two seemingly disparate works have captured the imagination of audiences for generations. Their timeless themes continue to resonate with fans today.
AI in Schools Today
What started as an experiment to revisit some rock folklore from my youth, turned into an exercise of the power of AI. The above was spit out in less than 20 seconds and provides a very comprehensive examination of a very obscure topic. There is not much online around a linkage between Lord of the Flies and “Hotel California” as it was unintended by the Eagles and a reach at best by my imaginative teacher.
This shows the challenges that schools will face with kids having access to AI. How do you allow for creative thinking when software can do that for you? The world is a changing place and I always hope for the better. AI is both frightening and incredible. I am interested to see how our kids adapt to these powerful tools. Rather than fret over this unknown, I may not have been able to get through Lord of the Flies, but I never have a problem with the Eagles classic. Enjoy the YouTube clip of the song above!