The Descent into Violence: Analyzing "Lord of the Flies"

William Golding reflected on his novel "Lord of the Flies" and observed that the boys' attempts to establish a civilized society on the island ultimately descend into violence and fear, as they grapple with the inherent flaws of human nature. Considering this insight, share your personal reaction to the novel.

Upon their arrival on the island, the boys discover that they are the only inhabitants, with no sign of the girls or any adults. The island is a breathtaking place, seemingly untouched by civilization.

Despite the circumstances, they try to create a society of their own. In the early stages of the story, we meet Ralph, Jack, and Piggy, who possess distinct personalities that greatly influence the course of events on the island.

Upon arriving on the island, Piggy and Ralph come across the conch, a shell that serves as a significant symbol of hope and democracy for the boys. As they find it in the sea and manage to retrieve it, Piggy is the one who initially proposes the notion of utilizing it to convene a meeting.

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"Let's use this to contact the others and have a meeting."

This is the initial attempt to organize things on the island. When a meeting is called, we immediately notice the contrast between the two boys who will contend for leadership. Jack Merridew appears to be stronger, more outspoken, and determined. His strict rule is evident when he governs over his choir as head chorister. This demonstrates his authority to the rest of the group, serving as a warning that people will obey him, albeit with lackluster and monotonous obedience.

He holds power over this small group of choir boys, creating a society that is not democratic like Ralph's but rather a dictatorship held together by fear. These differences highlight Ralph's nature and ideas.Seems like we need a leader to make decisions.

Despite being stranded on a desert island, where the need for rescue is crucial, Jack Merridew assumes he should be chief and displays complete arrogance. This creates the first tension between Jack and Ralph, who continues to pursue his original ideas of establishing order within the group. It is decided through a vote that Ralph will be chief, despite Jack seeming like the obvious choice. Ralph's authoritative silence and possession of the conch seem to secure him the title. Despite being declined the right to be chief, Jack feels embarrassed.

"Jack's face turned bright red with embarrassment."

Ralph believes it is important to show kindness and generosity by offering something to Jack.

"Of course, the choir belongs to you."

In an effort to avoid future disruptions to peace caused by Jack's clear annoyance at not being chosen as chief, he decides to take on the role of hunter for the choir. This proves to be a powerful tool for Jack in persuading others to join his society or "tribe," as he holds the power to determine their access to meat.

Ralph initiates the process of determining the necessary actions on the island and establishes tasks and regulations. It becomes evident that Ralph, now the leader of the group, is working towards creating a society that is fair, organized, and democratic. This can be viewed as an effort to replicate the familiar civilization in which he and the rest of the group were raised.

"We must adhere to rules as civilized English individuals, rather than acting like savages."

This excerpt illustrates Ralph's vision for the society he wants to establish on the island, reflecting his own background. To create this society, they require additional rules and extensive organization. Ralph deems the fire to be the utmost priority, as its continuous burning is crucial for their chances of being rescued - an outcome that holds utmost significance to all of them.

"There is a need for specialized individuals to ensure fire safety. At any moment, a ship may arrive..."

The concept of maintaining a continuous fire is undoubtedly beneficial. However, like many other ideas, there is a initial enthusiasm and willingness to assist, but as the initial excitement and allure fades, so does the commitment to the task at hand. Eventually, the number of individuals actively contributing to the cause diminishes significantly.

"After the meeting ended, they would spend five minutes working before either getting distracted or going hunting."

This serves as a clear illustration of the decline within society resulting from a lack of interest and dedication. However, as human beings, we tend to be the ones who complain to others when tasks are left unfinished. This is evident through the boys, and ultimately it is Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric who are left to fulfill the responsibilities. Another instance of this is seen in the failure to sustain the fire.

"You extinguished the fire."

The chance they had of being rescued early was lost because Jack prioritized killing a pig over getting rescued. They were so focused on the opportunity to have a decent meal or an alternative to fruit that they didn't notice the ship or keep the fire going. They were also drawn into the ritual of killing the pig. Ralph, clearly angry at this neglect of responsibility, sets up more rules to try and create a society where he is the leader through democratic voting. However, these rules gradually diminish in importance and effectiveness, even in simple tasks. It is evident that if all the group members worked together, things would happen faster and more efficiently on the island since some tasks cannot be done alone.

"In what way could I accomplish this task alone?"

This text highlights the importance of collaboration and assistance in achieving goals. Piggy's inability to gather all the names of the younger children alone demonstrates the failure of individual efforts. It serves as a representation of how society must work together for success, as individuals can struggle when left to their own devices. Our natural instincts as human beings often lead us to lose interest in tasks when working alone, to our own detriment. Golding aims to show us this point. However, due to the lack of cooperation and agreement between Jack and Ralph, the two strongest boys on the island, it resulted in a violent split into two different civilizations marked by bloodshed and terror.

There are additional rules on the island to establish a form of civilization regarding cleanliness and hygiene. One rule is for the boys to use the rocks as a toilet, while another is to store fresh water in coconut shells for constant access. Unfortunately, both of these rules gradually fall apart. However, the construction of shelters is perhaps the most significant indication that their society is deteriorating as a result of natural human instincts and behavior.

I believe the overall progression of events exemplifies the situation occurring on the entire island. Initially, when the concept is proposed, everyone eagerly participates. However, as time passes, the construction of the shelters deteriorates and other tasks become more prioritized by the boys, resulting in a decrease in the number of individuals involved in building and consequently a decline in both the effort put forth and the quality of the shelters.

"We collectively constructed the initial one; the second one was built by four of us; Simon and I were the ones responsible for constructing the last one located over there."

Despite only a few boys contributing to the construction of shelters, it is evident that each one of them required a sense of home, not just in a physical sense but also on an emotional level. They yearned for a place to satisfy their innate need for security and safety.

"So we need shelters as a sort of - 'Home'"

This need for security arises from their own fear of the supposed beast that lives on the island, and their desire to shield themselves from it.

Illustrating a swift decline, the text depicts Jack's creation of a hunters' 'tribe', leading to rituals involving dancing, singing, and pig slaughtering on the island. Of all the gory acts, it is most disturbing when the boys mercilessly assault a mother sow and her piglets, an unnecessary disruption of their serene state of innocence, vulnerability, and maternal contentment.

"The impressive bladder of her abdomen was adorned with a line of piglets that slumbered, dug or uttered squeaks"

The description of blood and terror is so horrific and violent that we often overlook the fact that these are just little boys. This vulnerable and undeserving mother and her children show us how everything starts to fall apart in such a way.

"the terrified squealing escalated into a high-pitched scream"

We are questioning the motives behind this action, but even as Ralph mentioned later, he also participated in the role-playing game where Robert acted like a pig. This activity goes beyond being just a game as Robert is clearly in pain, yet the boys continue to stab him with spears.

"The overwhelming desire to squeeze and hurt."

The reason for the occurrence of both these abnormal and shocking events can be explained by this straightforward quote. It states that humans are enticed by the intense thrill of the 'moment' and tend to go along with the crowd, similar to what happens in gang assaults today. There is much uncertainty about whether the individuals in the gang would have targeted the same victim if they were by themselves. This also applies to the boys.

Ralph, despite his initial reluctance, is drawn into the game and feels compelled to participate. This illustrates our innate instinct to explore as humans, as well as our vulnerability and inability to be independent. It highlights our universal desire to search and explore, along with our lack of mental fortitude, but not the desire to harm others. It demonstrates how we would pursue this desire if given the chance. The boys' excitement in killing the sow and the sight of blood on their hands showcases their overwhelming exhilaration.

"Giggling and flinking them, he made the boys laugh with his palms that reeked."

The boys are deriving complete joy from killing her, which is a disturbing image. The manner in which they are behaving could even be associated with certain sexual connotations.

"wedded to her in lust"

Golding attempts to reveal the unsettling truth about human behavior. He depicts the consequences of our inherent affliction, being human. Golding aims to illustrate the appalling actions and capabilities of human beings. These behaviors are visible in our daily lives, particularly with individuals who exhibit psychopathic tendencies, often accompanied by a sexual dimension. While these occurrences are observed in everyday life, they are magnified on the secluded island, prompting a question that society typically avoids due to fear of its potential answer.

"Why do things break up in the way that they do?"

Piggy questions suggest that he is becoming aware of the declining situation on the island. This serves as a reminder of the turmoil occurring in the outside world, particularly the ongoing war. The arrival of the Naval officer further highlights humanity's ignorance towards their surroundings, as we fail to acknowledge our actions.

"I would have expected that a group of British boys... - could have performed better than that..."

The Naval officer utters this statement and also foolishly inquires if anyone has died, without realizing that people have indeed died. Thus, the horror begins to manifest. The officer's remark is ironic because he fails to acknowledge that he, as a British adult, is in the same situation as these boys and is also engaged in a war.

The ship that has arrived to rescue the boys is a battle ship. The boys were stranded on the island because their plane was shot down, and their pilot's injured body is located on top of the hill. The reason for their situation is the ongoing war. This novel is considered a fable since Golding aims to showcase how humans fail to recognize the harm they cause to others and our environment due to our inherent nature.

Simon, the quieter member of the group, seeks solitude as a form of mediation and a means of finding peace amidst the surrounding chaos. While alone, Simon has hallucinations which lead to an imaginary conversation with the 'Lord of the Flies', revealing his profound understanding of the truth. He starts to comprehend the reality of the situation on the island and realizes that they only have themselves to fear. The terror that grips each individual stems from their own actions. This highlights the absence of a beast; the true evil lies within humans and poses the sole threat to a world of beauty.

"You already knew, didn't you? I am a part of you; close, close, close! I am the cause for the failure and the current state of things."

Goldings intention in writing this passage is to convey that as humans, we should fear only ourselves. Our innate human instinct leads us to create our own fears, and we alone have the ability to destroy the world we inhabit. Every human possesses the inherent power to bring about destruction, but we also have the capability to prevent it.

The author conveys the idea that the boys' own civilization disintegrates into violence and fear. This conflict between two societies, one democratic led by Ralph and the other ruled by Jack through fear, causes a war to erupt within their group. Jack utilizes his hunting abilities as leverage, providing them with meat but also holding the power to withhold it.

"Jack's intention was to decline eating meat as a means to assert his power..."

Jack uses his power to tease the boys unjustly, but ultimately relinquishes it to them. While this earns him their respect, he also demands perpetual gratitude for his favor. He entices them with rewards to join his society.

"Who wants to join my tribe and have fun?"

Jack provides entertainment and adventure, while Ralph strives to maintain their previous democratic society. Unfortunately, the other boys lack the bravery to defend their rights and convictions. They timidly abandon Ralph's group, possibly due to inherent human weakness, to join Jack's faction. I use the term "work" because the boys essentially find themselves serving this self-proclaimed deity, Jack.

"the chief has spoken"

The boys have an almost worshipful attitude towards Jack, to the point that the word 'Jack' has become taboo. It is difficult to comprehend this incredible reverence for him, but it stems from his role as the provider of meat. This further exemplifies the frailty of humanity. Despite not joining Jack's tribe, Ralph does succumb to eating the meat. He feels ashamed about this, even though he is simply acting in accordance with human nature.

Despite intending to reject meat, his previous diet of fruit and nuts left him with insufficient willpower.

When meat is involved, he finds himself losing his willpower due to hunger, causing his ideals and morals to momentarily falter like any other person would experience. He feels embarrassed by the fact that he has consumed meat.

This need for food may have been a factor in Piggy and Ralph's involvement in Simon's death. However, I believe the primary reason was their inherent need for security and safety within a group. When the other boys left to follow Jack, Piggy and Ralph were left alone, away from home, filled with fear. This fear compelled them to seek out Jack's part of the island, as they desired companionship and did not want to be alone.

"Piggy and Ralph, feeling threatened by the sky, were both eager to find a place within this partly secure but demented society."

As human beings, they longed for refuge and protection, even amidst the madness of society. However, upon finding it, they became involved in the murder of the gentlest boy on the island, which is ironic considering he was the one who would have provided reassurance and dispelled their fear of a nonexistent beast.

"The abominable noise was causing the body on the hill to cry out in protest."

Golding draws a connection between the killing of Simon and the crucifixion of Jesus. Both were killed by the very people they were trying to help. However, the boys never discover what Simon was going to tell them because they killed him. This serves as an example of how even well-intentioned individuals can be influenced and driven to commit unlawful acts when placed in different circumstances or faced with fear. Golding's message seems to be that people, like Ralph and Piggy, who are inherently kind, can still be compelled to participate in violence to satisfy their need for security as human beings. This demonstrates how every individual has the potential for cruelty towards others. A clear instance of this is when Ralph, despite his own kindness and generosity, reveals Piggy's nickname to the rest of the group.

"He is not fatty - his real name is Piggy"

Despite Ralph's specific request for confidentiality, he betrays Piggy by disclosing his nickname to the rest of the group. This serves to highlight the collapse of their civilization into a state of violence and fear. Consequently, both Piggy and Ralph enter a phase of denial as they become aware of the deteriorating situation, but choose not to confront the truth. Piggy finds it challenging to accept reality, resorting to making excuses and attempting to justify the events that occurred.

"We were scared! Anything could have happened."

He is attempting to deny their involvement and pretend that it never occurred. This behavior mirrors what occurs in contemporary society, where individuals try to erase their actions out of denial, hoping that by ignoring them, they will not be affected. However, this approach proves futile as Ralph ultimately realizes the horrifying truth of what has transpired, causing fear to take hold.

The fear that Ralph begins to feel intensifies and eventually transforms into sheer terror when his friend Piggy is murdered. As the only remaining member of their society, Ralph is reduced to an animal-like state.

"They will hunt you tomorrow."

Ralph receives a secret warning from Sam and Eric, in which he learns about Jack and his tribe's plan to kill him, similar to how they killed the sow.

"Roger honed a stick's ends."

Ralph is filled with fear and finds it difficult to comprehend what his own people, human beings, are planning to do to him. He questions whether they would truly go through with their intentions. This overwhelming terror stems from the fact that he has lost everything that provided him with stability and protection, including his friend Piggy. Now, all Ralph can do is focus on finding a hiding place.

"he pondered whether a pig would concur"

Ironically, in order to survive, he is compelled to adopt a pig-like mindset, backed into a corner as he is relentlessly pursued by savages. It is difficult to fathom how fellow humans could be capable of instigating such terror and inflicting it upon one another. This serves as a grim reminder of the extent to which people can lose control and commit unspeakable acts when faced with deteriorating circumstances. It underscores the stark collapse of their civilization and the alarming acceleration of wickedness within a relatively brief timeframe.

The severe decline is witnessed shortly before Ralph is pursued and the boys he resides with brutally murder Piggy. Piggy's demise results in the total annihilation of the conch, which was the final representation of hope, democracy, and rules.

"The conch shattered into numerous white pieces and no longer remained intact."

The devastation of the conch represents the loss of civilization and home. After Piggy's death, Ralph realizes, like Simon did, that the only thing they have to fear is themselves. The false creature that caused fear in them does not actually exist; humans create their own terror. This is a universal disease that affects people of all ages, including these young boys who still cling to memories of home.

When you went to sleep, there was a bowl filled with cornflakes along with sugar and cream.

The point of this reminder is that despite their savage appearance, these boys are still children. This is why the Naval officer struggles to accept the events that have transpired on the island. The reader can relate to these feelings, as we are all human and find it difficult to accept that such terrible actions occur due to our own instincts.

Golding's intention appears to be to convey a message to individuals, illustrating their true nature and urging them to acknowledge it. The utilization of symbolism in this tale serves as a means for William Golding to exhibit, via the microcosm of the island, the aftermath he witnessed firsthand during his active involvement in war. He witnessed the brutality, violence, and destruction brought about by human beings, leaving him with profound emotions and exclamations expressed towards the end of his novel.

"Ralph shed tears for the loss of innocence, the evil within humanity, and the tragic descent of his loyal and wise companion, Piggy."

Indicating that all individuals endure consequences due to their own actions, we are solely responsible and acknowledge the existence of malevolence within every person. It is a dreadful affliction that grips each and every one of us.