| aimia_m_essaywrite_request | Write an essay |
| What topic | The island lord of the flies |
| Which subject | English |
| What age group | Year or Grade 11 |
| How many pages | 1 |
| Add references | |
| Any other preferences |
Survival, civilization, and human nature are the main themes in William Golding’s “The Lord of the Flies.” The novel tells the story of a group of boys who are stranded on an island and left to fend for themselves. As they struggle to survive, the boys experience a gradual breakdown of order and an increase in barbarity, revealing the dark and savage aspects of human nature.
At the beginning of the novel, the boys’ attempt to create a functioning society is characterized by their adherence to rules and their respect for authority. Ralph is elected as the leader, and his initial attempts to organize the boys are successful. The boys build shelters, attempt to keep a signal fire going and agree to meet regularly at a designated spot. However, as time passes, the order begins to deteriorate. Ralph’s authority is challenged by Jack, who demands that the boys focus on hunting instead of maintaining the signal fire. Jack’s obsession with hunting and his desire for power leads him to split away from Ralph’s group, and as a result, the boys’ society crumbles into chaos.
As the boys’ society falls apart, the novel explores the destructive effects of savagery, particularly as embodied by the character of Jack. Jack is initially a rational and reasonable character, but as he becomes more and more obsessed with hunting, he abandons all moral principles and becomes a violent and bloodthirsty leader. The portrayal of Jack’s transformation into a savage leader underscores the idea that human nature is fundamentally flawed and that we are all vulnerable to the destructive influence of power and the inherent brutality of our nature.
The novel also explores the theme of fear and its impact on human behavior. The boys’ fear of the unknown – represented by the mysterious “beast” on the island – drives them to become increasingly violent and irrational. The boys’ imagined fears are ultimately revealed to be unfounded, but the damage has already been done. The fear that the boys experienced led to a breakdown in rational thought, resulting in the destruction of their society.
In conclusion, “Lord of the Flies” offers an insightful portrayal of human nature and the potential for barbarity that lies within each of us. The novel highlights the importance of social cohesion, rationality, and democratic principles, which are essential for the creation of a functioning society. Without these safeguards, we are all susceptible to succumbing to barbarity, and it is only by recognizing our inherent flaws and limitations that we can hope to avoid such a fate.