Behavioral Changes in "Lord of the Flies"

Introduction

The boys' lives on the island have experienced a profound decline since their arrival, and the current situation suggests that things will only worsen unless there is a shift in their behavior and attitude. The growing conflict between Ralph and Jack, escalating fear of the unknown, the transformation of the boys into savages, disobedience of rules and taboos, and the emergence of bullying and rivalry all contribute to the overall deterioration of their once-ordered existence.

Conflict Between Ralph and Jack

The escalating conflict between Ralph and Jack is a source of considerable tension within the group, significantly impacting the lives of the boys.

This conflict has already led to a division among them, with some aligning with Jack and others with Ralph. The fundamental reason for this discord lies in the opposing priorities of the two leaders.

Jack initially aspired to be the leader but was outvoted by the group in favor of Ralph, resulting in a power struggle that fueled ongoing tension.

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Jack's desire for control and his short temper clash starkly with Ralph's realistic, kind-hearted, and organized approach. Their relationship is aptly described in the book as 'two continents of experience' and 'baffled in love and hate.' The stark contrast in their personalities exacerbates the conflict, with Ralph embodying optimism, respect, fairness, practicality, and naivety, while Jack exudes arrogance, boastfulness, power-hunger, self-centeredness, quick anger, and brutality. This clash of personalities and priorities intensifies the conflict, creating a hostile environment among the boys and influencing their actions, decisions, and overall well-being.

Fear of the Unknown

The boys' fear of the unknown manifests in various forms, growing steadily and contributing to the overall deterioration of their mental state. Initially dismissed as a mere 'beastie' or snake-like creature, the fear evolves into a more ominous concept—a 'beast from water' or even a ghost. What was initially a concern primarily for the 'litluns' now permeates the older boys' minds, casting doubt on their understanding of reality.

Ralph, despite being the designated leader, succumbs to doubts about the existence of a creature on the island, stating, 'I don't believe in ghosts, at least I don't think so.' This shift in Ralph's perspective highlights the profound impact of the unknown on their collective psyche and foreshadows potential psychological unraveling. As the fear intensifies, it threatens to erode the boys' sanity, creating an atmosphere of unease and paranoia that further contributes to the deterioration of their lives on the island.

Transformation into Savages

The boys' descent into savagery is marked by visible changes in their appearance, behavior, and priorities. While the physical transformation, such as the overgrown hair, is evident in all the boys, Jack plays a pivotal role in steering them towards a more primitive state. His obsessive focus on hunting and killing results in the gradual transformation of the other boys into hunters, embodying a savage mindset.

Jack's increasing obsession with hunting is underscored by the creation of masks, symbolizing a detachment from morality and responsibility. The mask, described as 'a thing on its own, behind which Jack lived,' becomes a tool for the boys to shed their inhibitions and embrace a more primal, instinct-driven existence. This transformation, exacerbated by Jack's passion for hunting, leads to a significant disagreement with Ralph regarding the maintenance of the signal fire. The neglect of the fire, a potential lifeline for rescue, in favor of hunting reflects the boys' prioritization of their savage instincts over the practicalities of survival. Jack's disregard for the communal goal further deepens the descent into savagery.

Disregard for Rules and Organizational Breakdown

The breakdown of rules and organizational systems accelerates the deterioration of the boys' lives on the island. Initially, there was a semblance of order, with established systems for waste disposal and water storage. However, as the days pass, these systems are ignored, leading to a regression into a more primitive and disorganized state.

Ralph's attempts to build shelters, a practical approach to ensuring their safety, are thwarted by the boys' lack of cooperation. The disorganization becomes more pronounced as the boys abandon established norms, resulting in unsanitary conditions and the depletion of vital resources. This breakdown in organizational structures reflects a loss of societal values and a return to a more chaotic and uncivilized state, further contributing to the overall deterioration of the boys' lives.

Bullying and Power Struggles

Bullying emerges as a pervasive issue on the island, with Jack exploiting his power to victimize Piggy and assert dominance over the group. Piggy becomes a scapegoat for Jack's own failures, highlighting the abuse of power within the group dynamics. Additionally, the mistreatment of the 'litluns' by the older boys, once restrained by societal taboos, becomes more pronounced, indicating a regression into primal behavior. Jack's consistent bullying of Piggy serves as a manifestation of the power struggles within the group, contributing to the overall decline in interpersonal relationships. The erosion of empathy and the emergence of bullying as a power tactic further underscore the degradation of the boys' lives.

Conclusion: A Deteriorating Existence

In conclusion, the boys' lives on the island in "Lord of the Flies" undergo a significant deterioration marked by conflict, fear, savagery, disregard for rules, and bullying. The escalating conflict between Ralph and Jack sets the tone for a fractured group dynamic, while the growing fear of the unknown threatens the boys' mental stability. The transformation into savages, symbolized by their appearance and behavior, accelerates the breakdown of societal norms. The disregard for rules and organizational structures results in a return to a more primitive state, further contributing to the overall deterioration of their lives. Bullying and power struggles exacerbate interpersonal tensions, leaving the group drifting towards a fragmented existence.

As the boys grapple with the challenges of survival and the unraveling of societal bonds, their descent into chaos serves as a stark commentary on the fragile nature of civilization when confronted with the harsh realities of the unknown. "Lord of the Flies" masterfully captures the complexities of human behavior in extreme circumstances, offering a profound exploration of the darker facets of human nature.