civilization vs savagery lord of the flies essay

Lord of the Flies: Civilization Vs Savagery

This essay will examine the theme of civilization versus savagery in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies.” It will discuss how the novel portrays the breakdown of social order and the inherent human tendency towards barbarism when removed from societal norms. More free essay examples are accessible at PapersOwl about Civilization.

How it works

Imagine being stranded on an island. your first instinct is to discover some nourishment, shelter, and to discover an exit plan the island. being marooned can be a critical circumstance. it can raise new difficulties and self-revelation. At the point when a group of young boys gets stranded on an island alone without any grown-ups together they should figure out how to live and make due as a gathering. Not exclusively should their principle need is nourishment and a safe house.

They should likewise stress over each other and find the stuff to cooperate. In golding’s novel lord of the flies, the differentiating abstract topics of civilization versus savagery is appeared by the utilization of symbols, the dialogue, and visual imagery. William golding utilizes numerous images all through his novel to outline the differentiating topics of civilization versus savagery. Subsequent to reading this book it led me to believe that human beings are savages by nature and are moved by primal urges toward selfishness, brutality and dominance over others.

On the island we see the contention between two primary characters Jack and Ralph who separately represent civilization and savagery. This affects whatever is left of the young boys all through the novel as they dig further and further into savagery.in this novel, the utilization of the conch speaks on civilization and order. At the point when the young men first arrive on the island Ralph utilizes the conch to combine everybody. On page 18 it is said, “signs of life were visible now on the beach. the sand trembling to a lower place the warmth haze concealed many figures in its miles of length; boys were making their way to the platform.” This demonstrates towards the beginning the conch mechanically brought everyone along and went along with them as a network.

later in the story, the lord of the flies speaks to the brutality by symbolizing confusion and mayhem. After the young men execute a pig they leave the head as an offering to the envisioned monster. At the point when Simon begins conversing with the head it reveals to him that it is the monster.

Later on, in page 185. Ralph comes across the skull of the pig. “A sick fear and anger cleared him. Furiously he hit out at the filthy thing in front of him that bobbed like a toy and returned, still grinning in his face, so that he lashed and cried out in hating. ” This demonstrates that the Lord of the flies brings the beast out of the kids this additionally demonstrates from the beginning they, actually, were their very own mammoth. Williams golding utilizes certain bits of exchange to represent the differentiating topics of human civilization versus viciousness.

In chapter 1 page 45, Piggy turns out to be the most educated of the gathering by endeavoring to keep the gathering humanized and all together. At the point when the bunch is talking with respect to building a flag fire to be spared piggy says “how can you expect to be rescued if you don’t put first things first and act proper?”. This demonstrates from the earliest starting point piggy thinks there ought to be requested and a reasonable arrangement for anything fruitful to occur on the island. Likewise around this point, the subject of viciousness through exchange starts with jack.

On page 51,in the wake of endeavoring to locate the first run through jack discloses to Ralph that he sent his gathering back while he kept on chasing without anyone else. I went on said jack. I let them go. I needed to go on. He attempted to pass on the impulse to follow down and execute that was gulping him up.I went on. I thought of myself—the franticness came at him once more. I thought I may kill. This is the start of jack’s change from cultivated to savage. As of now slaughtering turns into his principle need over everything.

Another way viciousness was demonstrated was the point at which piggy’s glasses were broken. we were informed that “Piggy cried out in terror ‘my specs!” This demonstrates to us that the young men savage natures are starting to overrule their progressively cultivated sides. Toward the start of the book jack could never have challenged contact piggy yet here he really snaps and goes for piggy who he looks down on. We can tell that piggy is startled as golding picks the words cried and dread to portray the scene. piggy seems like he is torment and is truly scared about what Jack would conceivably do to him and the loss of his sight. Piggy’s glasses have likewise come to speak to knowledge on the island with them breaking we see that the pathway to viciousness is currently totally open for the young boys. This is the essential genuine bit of brutality between the two groups on the island and it will result in about all the young boys getting to be savages.

Finally, William Golding utilizes visual symbolism all through his novel to represent the differentiating topics of human civilization progress versus savagery. Before all else, Golding utilizes visual symbolism to speak to progress when Ralph utilizes the conch to join everybody together. On page 19 it is said,“At last Ralph ceased to blow and sat there, the conch trailing from one hand, his head bowed on his knees. As the echoes died away so did the laughter, and there was silence. ” As the echoes died so did the chuckling and there was quietness. This demonstrates toward the starting everybody met up in a hastily manner and were quiet with the goal that they could tune in to the discussions that they would have.

Later in the book golding once more uses visual symbolism to speak to savagery following the killing of simon. “The beast battled forward, broke the ring and fell over the steep edge of the stone to the sand by the water. On the double the posse flooded after it poured down the stone jumped onto the monster shouted struck piece tore. there were no words and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws”. (page 153). This demonstrates that at this point the sole issue the young men thought about was chasing and that they would chase anything they could.this act was just the start of homicide in this story and later prompted the homicide of different young men.

In golding’s novel, Lord of the flies the contrasting literary themes of civilization vs savagery are illustrated through the use of symbols, the dialogue, and the visual imagery. Despite the fact that first and foremost, numerous things combined the young men on the island, at last, things shredded them more than they would have anticipated. Ralph here speaks to progress as he needed to implement guidelines and let everybody have an equivalent say. However, Jack who speaks to savagery as he governs over the young men and he isn’t keen on what they need to state. overall this book conveys that human beings are savage by nature and are moved by primal urges toward selfishness brutality and dominance over others.

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Lord of the Flies

By william golding, lord of the flies themes, civilization vs. savagery.

The overarching theme of Lord of the Flies is the conflict between the human impulse towards savagery and the rules of civilization which are designed to contain and minimize it. Throughout the novel, the conflict is dramatized by the clash between Ralph and Jack, who respectively represent civilization and savagery. The differing ideologies are expressed by each boy's distinct attitudes towards authority. While Ralph uses his authority to establish rules, protect the good of the group, and enforce the moral and ethical codes of the English society the boys were raised in, Jack is interested in gaining power over the other boys to gratify his most primal impulses. When Jack assumes leadership of his own tribe, he demands the complete subservience of the other boys, who not only serve him but worship him as an idol. Jack's hunger for power suggests that savagery does not resemble anarchy so much as a totalitarian system of exploitation and illicit power.

Golding's emphasis on the negative consequences of savagery can be read as a clear endorsement of civilization. In the early chapters of the novel, he suggests that one of the important functions of civilized society is to provide an outlet for the savage impulses that reside inside each individual. Jack's initial desire to kill pigs to demonstrate his bravery, for example, is channeled into the hunt, which provides needed food for the entire group. As long as he lives within the rules of civilization, Jack is not a threat to the other boys; his impulses are being re-directed into a productive task. Rather, it is when Jack refuses to recognize the validity of society and rejects Ralph's authority that the dangerous aspects of his character truly emerge. Golding suggests that while savagery is perhaps an inescapable fact of human existence, civilization can mitigate its full expression.

The rift between civilization and savagery is also communicated through the novel's major symbols: the conch shell, which is associated with Ralph, and The Lord of the Flies , which is associated with Jack. The conch shell is a powerful marker of democratic order on the island, confirming both Ralph's leadership-determined by election-and the power of assembly among the boys. Yet, as the conflict between Ralph and Jack deepens, the conch shell loses symbolic importance. Jack declares that the conch is meaningless as a symbol of authority and order, and its decline in importance signals the decline of civilization on the island. At the same time, The Lord of the Flies, which is an offering to the mythical "beast" on the island, is increasingly invested with significance as a symbol of the dominance of savagery on the island, and of Jack's authority over the other boys. The Lord of the Flies represents the unification of the boys under Jack's rule as motivated by fear of "outsiders": the beast and those who refuse to accept Jack's authority. The destruction of the conch shell at the scene of Piggy 's murder signifies the complete eradication of civilization on the island, while Ralph's demolition of The Lord of the Flies-he intends to use the stick as a spear-signals his own descent into savagery and violence. By the final scene, savagery has completely displaced civilization as the prevailing system on the island.

Individualism vs. Community

One of the key concerns of Lord of the Flies is the role of the individual in society. Many of the problems on the island-the extinguishing of the signal fire, the lack of shelters, the mass abandonment of Ralph's camp, and the murder of Piggy-stem from the boys' implicit commitment to a principle of self-interest over the principle of community. That is, the boys would rather fulfill their individual desires than cooperate as a coherent society, which would require that each one act for the good of the group. Accordingly, the principles of individualism and community are symbolized by Jack and Ralph, respectively. Jack wants to "have fun" on the island and satisfy his bloodlust, while Ralph wants to secure the group's rescue, a goal they can achieve only by cooperating. Yet, while Ralph's vision is the most reasonable, it requires work and sacrifice on the part of the other boys, so they quickly shirk their societal duties in favor of fulfilling their individual desires. The shelters do not get built because the boys would rather play; the signal fire is extinguished when Jack's hunters fail to tend to it on schedule.

The boys' self-interestedness culminates, of course, when they decide to join Jack's tribe, a society without communal values whose appeal is that Jack will offer them total freedom. The popularity of his tribe reflects the enormous appeal of a society based on individual freedom and self-interest, but as the reader soon learns, the freedom Jack offers his tribe is illusory. Jack implements punitive and irrational rules and restricts his boys' behavior far more than Ralph did. Golding thus suggests not only that some level of communal system is superior to one based on pure self-interest, but also that pure individual freedom is an impossible value to sustain within a group dynamic, which will always tend towards societal organization. The difficult question, of course, is what individuals are willing to give up to gain the benefits of being in the group.

The Nature of Evil

Is evil innate within the human spirit, or is it an influence from an external source? What role do societal rules and institutions play in the existence of human evil? Does the capacity for evil vary from person to person, or does it depend on the circumstances each individual faces? These questions are at the heart of Lord of the Flies which, through detailed depictions of the boys' different responses to their situation, presents a complex articulation of humanity's potential for evil.

It is important to note that Golding's novel rejects supernatural or religious accounts of the origin of human evil. While the boys fear the "beast" as an embodiment of evil similar to the Christian concept of Satan, the novel emphasizes that this interpretation is not only mistaken but also, ironically, the motivation for the boys' increasingly cruel and violent behavior. It is their irrational fear of the beast that informs the boys' paranoia and leads to the fatal schism between Jack and Ralph and their respective followers, and this is what prevents them from recognizing and addressing their responsibility for their own impulses. Rather, as The Lord of the Flies communicates to Simon in the forest glade, the "beast" is an internal force, present in every individual, and is thus incapable of being truly defeated. That the most ethical characters on the island-Simon and Ralph-each come to recognize his own capacity for evil indicates the novel's emphasis on evil's universality among humans.

Even so, the novel is not entirely pessimistic about the human capacity for good. While evil impulses may lurk in every human psyche, the intensity of these impulses-and the ability to control them-appear to vary from individual to individual. Through the different characters, the novel presents a continuum of evil, ranging from Jack and Roger , who are eager to engage in violence and cruelty, to Ralph and Simon, who struggle to contain their brutal instincts. We may note that the characters who struggle most successfully against their evil instincts do so by appealing to ethical or social codes of behavior. For example, Ralph and Piggy demand the return of Piggy's glasses because it is the "right thing to do." Golding suggests that while evil may be present in us all, it can be successfully suppressed by the social norms that are imposed on our behavior from without or by the moral norms we decide are inherently "good," which we can internalize within our wills.

The ambiguous and deeply ironic conclusion of Lord of the Flies , however, calls into question society's role in shaping human evil. The naval officer, who repeats Jack's rhetoric of nationalism and militarism, is engaged in a bloody war that is responsible for the boys' aircraft crash on the island and that is mirrored by the civil war among the survivors. In this sense, much of the evil on the island is a result not of the boys' distance from society, but of their internalization of the norms and ideals of that society-norms and ideals that justify and even thrive on war. Are the boys corrupted by the internal pressures of an essentially violent human nature, or have they been corrupted by the environment of war they were raised in? Lord of the Flies offers no clear solution to this question, provoking readers to contemplate the complex relationships among society, morality, and human nature.

Man vs. Nature

Lord of the Flies introduces the question of man's ideal relationship with the natural world. Thrust into the completely natural environment of the island, in which no humans exist or have existed, the boys express different attitudes towards nature that reflect their distinct personalities and ideological leanings. The boys' relationships to the natural world generally fall into one of three categories: subjugation of nature, harmony with nature, and subservience to nature. The first category, subjugation of nature, is embodied by Jack, whose first impulse on the island is to track, hunt, and kill pigs. He seeks to impose his human will on the natural world, subjugating it to his desires. Jack's later actions, in particular setting the forest fire, reflect his deepening contempt for nature and demonstrate his militaristic, violent character. The second category, harmony with nature, is embodied by Simon, who finds beauty and peace in the natural environment as exemplified by his initial retreat to the isolated forest glade. For Simon, nature is not man's enemy but is part of the human experience. The third category, subservience to nature, is embodied by Ralph and is the opposite position from Jack's. Unlike Simon, Ralph does not find peaceful harmony with the natural world; like Jack, he understands it as an obstacle to human life on the island. But while Jack responds to this perceived conflict by acting destructively towards animals and plant life, Ralph responds by retreating from the natural world. He does not participate in hunting or in Simon's excursions to the deep wilderness of the forest; rather, he stays on the beach, the most humanized part of the island. As Jack's hunting expresses his violent nature to the other boys and to the reader, Ralph's desire to stay separate from the natural world emphasizes both his reluctance to tempt danger and his affinity for civilization.

Dehumanization of Relationships

In Lord of the Flies , one of the effects of the boys' descent into savagery is their increasing inability to recognize each other's humanity. Throughout the novel, Golding uses imagery to imply that the boys are no longer able to distinguish between themselves and the pigs they are hunting and killing for food and sport. In Chapter Four, after the first successful pig hunt, the hunters re-enact the hunt in a ritual dance, using Maurice as a stand-in for the doomed pig. This episode is only a dramatization, but as the boys' collective impulse towards complete savagery grows stronger, the parallels between human and animal intensify. In Chapter Seven, as several of the boys are hunting the beast, they repeat the ritual with Robert as a stand-in for the pig; this time, however, they get consumed by a kind of "frenzy" and come close to actually killing him. In the same scene, Jack jokes that if they do not kill a pig next time, they can kill a littlun in its place. The repeated substitution of boy for pig in the childrens' ritual games, and in their conversation, calls attention to the consequences of their self-gratifying behavior: concerned only with their own base desires, the boys have become unable to see each other as anything more than objects subject to their individual wills. The more pigs the boys kill, the easier it becomes for them to harm and kill each other. Mistreating the pigs facilitates this process of dehumanization.

The early episodes in which boys are substituted for pigs, either verbally or in the hunting dance, also foreshadow the tragic events of the novel's later chapters, notably the murders of Simon and Piggy and the attempt on Ralph's life. Simon, a character who from the outset of the novel is associated with the natural landscape he has an affinity for, is murdered when the other children mistake him for "the beast"-a mythical inhuman creature that serves as an outlet for the children's fear and sadness. Piggy's name links him symbolically to the wild pigs on the island, the immediate target for Jack's violent impulses; from the outset, when the other boys refuse to call him anything but "Piggy," Golding establishes the character as one whose humanity is, in the eyes of the other boys, ambiguous. The murders of Simon and Piggy demonstrate the boys' complete descent into savagery. Both literally (Simon) and symbolically (Piggy), the boys have become indistinguishable from the animals that they stalk and kill.

The Loss of Innocence

At the end of Lord of the Flies , Ralph weeps "for the end of innocence," a lament that retroactively makes explicit one of the novel's major concerns, namely, the loss of innocence. When the boys are first deserted on the island, they behave like children, alternating between enjoying their freedom and expressing profound homesickness and fear. By the end of the novel, however, they mirror the warlike behavior of the adults of the Home Counties: they attack, torture, and even murder one another without hesitation or regret. The loss of the boys' innocence on the island runs parallel to, and informs their descent into savagery, and it recalls the Bible's narrative of the Fall of Man from paradise.

Accordingly, the island is coded in the early chapters as a kind of paradise, with idyllic scenery, fresh fruit, and glorious weather. Yet, as in the Biblical Eden, the temptation toward corruption is present: the younger boys fear a "snake-thing." The "snake-thing" is the earliest incarnation of the "beast" that, eventually, will provoke paranoia and division among the group. It also explicitly recalls the snake from the Garden of Eden, the embodiment of Satan who causes Adam and Eve's fall from grace. The boys' increasing belief in the beast indicates their gradual loss of innocence, a descent that culminates in tragedy. We may also note that the landscape of the island itself shifts from an Edenic space to a hellish one, as marked by Ralph's observation of the ocean tide as an impenetrable wall, and by the storm that follows Simon's murder.

The forest glade that Simon retreats to in Chapter Three is another example of how the boys' loss of innocence is registered on the natural landscape of the island. Simon first appreciates the clearing as peaceful and beautiful, but when he returns, he finds The Lord of the Flies impaled at its center, a powerful symbol of how the innocence of childhood has been corrupted by fear and savagery.

Even the most sympathetic boys develop along a character arc that traces a fall from innocence (or, as we might euphemize, a journey into maturity). When Ralph is first introduced, he is acting like a child, splashing in the water, mocking Piggy, and laughing. He tells Piggy that he is certain that his father, a naval commander, will rescue him, a conviction that the reader understands as the wishful thinking of a little boy. Ralph repeats his belief in their rescue throughout the novel, shifting his hope that his own father will discover them to the far more realistic premise that a passing ship will be attracted by the signal fire on the island. By the end of the novel, he has lost hope in the boys' rescue altogether. The progression of Ralph's character from idealism to pessimistic realism expresses the extent to which life on the island has eradicated his childhood.

The Negative Consequences of War

In addition to its other resonances, Lord of the Flies is in part an allegory of the Cold War. Thus, it is deeply concerned with the negative effects of war on individuals and for social relationships. Composed during the Cold War, the novel's action unfolds from a hypothetical atomic war between England and "the Reds," which was a clear word for communists. Golding thus presents the non-violent tensions that were unfolding during the 1950s as culminating into a fatal conflict-a narrative strategy that establishes the novel as a cautionary tale against the dangers of ideological, or "cold," warfare, becoming hot. Moreover, we may understand the conflict among the boys on the island as a reflection of the conflict between the democratic powers of the West and the communist presence throughout China, Eastern Europe, and the Soviet Union. (China's cultural revolution had not yet occurred, but its communist revolution was fresh in Western memory.) Ralph, an embodiment of democracy, clashes tragically with Jack, a character who represents a style of military dictatorship similar to the West's perception of communist leaders such as Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong. Dressed in a black cape and cap, with flaming red hair, Jack also visually evokes the "Reds" in the fictional world of the novel and the historical U.S.S.R., whose signature colors were red and black. As the tension between the boys comes to a bloody head, the reader sees the dangerous consequences of ideological conflict.

The arrival of the naval officer at the conclusion of the narrative underscores these allegorical points. The officer embodies war and militaristic thinking, and as such, he is symbolically linked to the brutal Jack. The officer is also English and thus linked to the democratic side of the Cold War, which the novel vehemently defends. The implications of the officer's presence are provocative: Golding suggests that even a war waged in the name of civilization can reduce humanity to a state of barbarism. The ultimate scene of the novel, in which the boys weep with grief for the loss of their innocence, implicates contemporary readers in the boys' tragedy. The boys are representatives, however immature and untutored, of the wartime impulses of the period.

Lord of the Flies Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Lord of the Flies is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Where had Simon fainted before?

From the text:

“He's always throwing a faint,”said Merridew. “He did in Gib.; and Addis; and at matins over the precentor.”

Quote Analysis. "There was a throb..."

At this point Ralph is once again challenging Jack's authority, Unfortunately all the cards are stacked against Ralph. A storm is brewing and to deflect the boys' fears, Jack orders them to dance around the fire. This communal spectacle of...

How do the boys respond to Jack's call for Ralph's removal as chief? How does Jack react? Respond with evidence from the text.

There is a lot of immaturity here. The other boys refuse to vote Ralph out of power. Enraged, Jack has a tantrum and runs away from the group, saying that he is leaving and that anyone who likes is welcome to join him.The boys don't like the open...

Study Guide for Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies study guide contains a biography of William Golding, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Lord of the Flies
• Lord of the Flies Summary
• Lord of the Flies Video
• Character List

Essays for Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

• Two Faces of Man
• The Relationship Between Symbolism and Theme in Lord of the Flies
• A Tainted View of Society
• Death and Social Collapse in Lord of the Flies
• Lumination: The Conquest of Mankind's Darkness

Lesson Plan for Lord of the Flies

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Lord of the Flies
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Lord of the Flies Bibliography

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Lord of the Flies

William golding.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

The " beast " is a symbol Golding uses to represent the savage impulses lying deep within every human being. Civilization exists to suppress the beast. By keeping the natural human desire for power and violence to a minimum, civilization forces people to act responsibly and rationally, as boys like Piggy and Ralph do in Lord in the Flies . Savagery arises when civilization stops suppressing the beast: it's the beast unleashed. Savages not only acknowledge the beast, they thrive on it and worship it like a god. As Jack and his tribe become savages, they begin to believe the beast exists physically—they even leave it offerings to win its favor to ensure their protection. Civilization forces people to hide from their darkest impulses, to suppress them. Savages surrender to their darkest impulses, which they attribute to the demands of gods who require their obedience.

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Civilization Vs Savagery In Lord Of The Flies

1. introduction to the novel and its context.

Introducing the novel "Lord of the Flies" involves delving into the background of the author, William Golding, as well as providing a summary of the novel itself. William Golding, born in 1911 in Cornwall, England, was a schoolteacher and a writer, debuting with his novel "Lord of the Flies" in 1954. The novel is widely considered a classic of modern literature and is a staple in many high school and college literature curriculums. The story of "Lord of the Flies" unfolds when a group of young boys find themselves stranded on a deserted island without adult supervision. The novel explores heavy themes of civilization versus savagery as the boys struggle to maintain order and organization while grappling with their primal instincts. This thematic tension is a central element of the novel and serves as the backdrop to the boys' struggle for survival. Throughout the narrative, the boys' descent into savagery is juxtaposed with their attempts to maintain a semblance of civilization, ultimately serving as a profound analysis of human nature. This introductory information sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the key themes and ideas present in "Lord of the Flies."

1.1. Background Information on the Author, William Golding

William Golding, born in 1911, was a British author best known for his novel "Lord of the Flies." Prior to becoming a writer, Golding served in World War II, an experience that greatly influenced his views on human nature. This is evident in his writing, as "Lord of the Flies" explores the inherent capacity for evil within every individual. Golding's background in science and his keen interest in anthropology also shaped his literary works, particularly in his portrayal of the struggle between civilization and savagery. His experiences and academic background provided him with a unique perspective on human behavior, which is reflected in the themes and characters of "Lord of the Flies." This background information is crucial for understanding the context in which Golding wrote the novel and how his personal experiences shaped the narrative. Golding's literary career can be traced back to his early years as an Oxford University student, where he studied English literature and became acquainted with the works of influential writers such as Joseph Conrad and William Shakespeare. His exposure to these literary giants undoubtedly influenced his own writing style and themes. Golding's deep understanding of human psychology and his ability to craft intricate narratives have cemented his reputation as a prominent figure in 20th-century literature. His unique background and professional experiences provide invaluable insight into the themes and motifs present in "Lord of the Flies," ultimately enriching the reader's understanding of the novel and its exploration of civilization versus savagery.

1.2. Summary of 'Lord of the Flies'

In "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, a group of boys find themselves stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. The novel explores the inherent tensions between civilization and savagery as the boys struggle to maintain order and establish a society while faced with the harsh realities of survival. The main characters, Ralph and Jack, represent the competing sides of this struggle. Ralph, the elected leader, represents order, reason, and civilization, while Jack embodies the primitive instincts of savagery and brutality. As the story unfolds, the boys' struggle for power and control escalates, ultimately leading to a devastating climax. Through its exploration of the darkness within human nature, "Lord of the Flies" offers a powerful commentary on the fragile nature of civilization and the potential for savagery that lies within us all. The novel serves as a compelling allegory for the human condition, challenging readers to confront the complexities of human nature and the eternal struggle between civilization and savagery.

2. The Concept of Civilization

In the novel "Lord of the Flies," the concept of civilization is initially portrayed as the fundamental structure that separates humans from savagery. Civilization is defined as the set of societal rules and norms that govern human behavior and promote order, cooperation, and progress. In the context of the novel, civilization is represented by the presence of the adult world, as well as the boys' adherence to rules and attempts to create a democratic society on the island. The boys' initial attempts at establishing order reflect their instinctual desire to maintain civilization. They hold meetings, create rules, and establish roles within the group in an effort to replicate the structures of the society they have left behind. However, as the story progresses, the challenges of survival and the absence of adult authority lead to the gradual erosion of these attempts at maintaining civilization, giving way to the emergence of savagery. This gradual decline in civilization is symbolized by the deterioration of the conch shell, which initially represents order and authority on the island. Ultimately, "Lord of the Flies" explores the fragile nature of civilization and the inherent human capacity for both order and chaos. The novel delves into the complexities of human behavior and the struggle between the desire for civilization and the powerful forces of savagery, shedding light on the precarious balance between the two opposing forces.

2.1. Defining Civilization in the Context of the Novel

In the novel "Lord of the Flies", civilization is portrayed as the social order and structure that the boys strive to establish on the deserted island. The concept of civilization in this context encompasses the boys' attempts to create a system of rules, division of labor, and governance. Civilization represents the values and norms that guide human behavior and maintain societal order. Through the lens of the novel, civilization embodies the boys' yearning for structure, cooperation, and societal organization in the face of adversity. The definition of civilization in "Lord of the Flies" is intricately connected to the contrast with savagery. As the boys grapple with the challenges of survival, their understanding of civilization evolves, highlighting the fragility of societal norms in the absence of external authority. The novel prompts readers to reflect on the underlying principles of civilization and its significance in shaping human behavior. It underscores the tension between the innate human impulse for order and the allure of primal instincts, ultimately challenging the conventional understanding of civilization as an inherent feature of human nature. By delving into the intricacies of defining civilization within the context of the novel, one gains valuable insights into the complex interplay between societal constructs and individual psychology.

2.2. The Boys' Initial Attempts at Establishing Order

The concept of civilization is a central theme in "Lord of the Flies", as the novel explores the tensions between the instinctual savagery and the desire for order and civilization within human nature. In the section "The Boys' Initial Attempts at Establishing Order", we witness the group of boys' early efforts to create a sense of structure and organization on the deserted island. Initially, the boys elect Ralph as their leader and establish a system of rules and responsibilities, symbolized by the conch shell, which serves as a tool for maintaining order and facilitating communication. However, the boys' attempts at establishing order are quickly undermined by the inherent savagery that exists within them. Their initial enthusiasm for building a civilization quickly gives way to a lack of discipline and the emergence of power struggles, particularly between Ralph and Jack. As the novel progresses, the boys' failure to maintain a cohesive and civilized society becomes increasingly evident, leading to the breakdown of their attempts at establishing order and the descent into chaos and violence. This section serves as a microcosm of the broader theme of civilization versus savagery, highlighting the fragility of societal norms and the ease with which they can be disrupted in the absence of external constraints. Ultimately, it underscores the novel's exploration of the destructive forces that can emerge when the veneer of civilization is stripped away.

3. The Emergence of Savagery

In the third section of this essay, we delve into the crucial theme of the emergence of savagery in "Lord of the Flies". The narrative of the novel unfolds the factors that lead to the decline of civilization among a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island. As the story progresses, the boys' initial attempts at establishing order and a sense of societal norms slowly deteriorate, giving way to a more primal and savage way of existence. The section focuses on analyzing the various factors that contribute to this decline, including the breakdown of leadership, the loss of rationality, and the erosion of moral values. Moreover, the role of fear and violence is explored in the context of how these elements fuel the boys' descent into savagery. The escalating fear of the unknown and the looming presence of a mythical beast on the island stoke the flames of paranoia and insecurity, leading to a pervasive atmosphere of terror and mistrust. The prevalence of violence, both physical and psychological, further exacerbates the situation, as the boys struggle to maintain a semblance of order amidst the chaos and brutality. This section critically examines the interplay between these two factors and their profound impact on the boys' collective psyche, ultimately contributing to the overarching theme of civilization versus savagery in the novel. In summary, the exploration of the emergence of savagery in "Lord of the Flies" offers profound insights into the fragility of civilization and the primal instincts that lurk within human nature. It underscores the transformative power of fear and violence in unraveling the social fabric and unraveling the very foundations of civilized behavior. Through a careful analysis of these pivotal themes, the section sheds light on the timeless relevance of Golding's work in elucidating the complex dynamics between societal order and the inherent savagery that lies beneath the veneer of civilization.

3.1. Factors Leading to the Decline of Civilization

In "Lord of the Flies," the factors leading to the decline of civilization are multifaceted and complex. One of the primary drivers of this decline is the absence of adult authority on the island, as the boys are left to govern themselves without any guidance or rules. This lack of structure and discipline creates a power vacuum, leading to the rise of chaos and disorder. Additionally, the allure of freedom and the natural instincts of the boys gradually erode the societal norms and values they once adhered to. The boys' descent into savagery is also fueled by their increasing detachment from the constraints of civilization, as they become more focused on hunting, violence, and dominance over others. Furthermore, the growing influence of fear and the primal instinct for survival contribute to the unraveling of moral principles, ultimately leading to the breakdown of civilized behavior. The interplay of these factors demonstrates the fragile nature of civilization and the susceptibility of human beings to revert to primal instincts when faced with challenging circumstances. This exploration of the decline of civilization in "Lord of the Flies" serves as a compelling reflection on the complexities of human nature and the delicate balance between civility and savagery.

3.2. The Role of Fear and Violence

In "Lord of the Flies," the role of fear and violence is central in the progression from civilization to savagery. As the boys become increasingly fearful of the unknown and the perceived threat of the beast, their actions are driven by this fear, leading to violence and the breakdown of societal norms. The boys' fears manifest in the form of the imaginary beast, which becomes a symbol of the primal instincts and savagery that lurk within each of them. This fear causes them to lose their grip on reality and succumb to the inherent violence that lies beneath the surface. Furthermore, fear and violence are heightened by the power struggle that emerges among the boys. The desire for control and dominance leads to the use of fear and intimidation as tools to establish authority. This struggle for power ultimately fuels the escalation of violence, as the boys resort to aggressive and destructive behavior in their quest for dominance. The role of fear and violence in "Lord of the Flies" serves as a powerful commentary on the fragile nature of civilization and the ease with which humanity can descend into savagery when confronted with fear and power dynamics.

4. The Symbolism of Characters and Objects

In "Lord of the Flies", characters and objects serve as powerful symbols that convey the novel's central theme of civilization versus savagery. Ralph and Jack, two prominent characters in the story, embody the contrasting forces of order and chaos. Ralph represents civilization through his prioritization of democratic leadership, the establishment of rules, and the pursuit of rescue. In contrast, Jack symbolizes savagery as he becomes increasingly consumed by his desire for power and dominance, leading to the deterioration of order within the group. Their opposing attributes and actions demonstrate the constant struggle between the civilizing instinct and the primal urge for violence. Additionally, the conch shell and the beast are significant symbols that contribute to the exploration of civilization and savagery in the novel. The conch shell, initially used to maintain order and facilitate communication among the boys, represents the fragile nature of civilized society. As the conch loses its power and influence, the breakdown of order becomes inevitable. On the other hand, the beast symbolizes the primal, instinctual fear that resides within each individual. It serves as a manifestation of the boys' descent into savagery and their increasing detachment from the principles of civilization. Through the symbolism of characters and objects, "Lord of the Flies" effectively portrays the complex interplay between civilized behavior and the innate human tendency towards savagery.

4.1. Ralph and Jack: Representations of Civilization and Savagery

In William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," the characters of Ralph and Jack serve as powerful representations of the themes of civilization and savagery. Ralph, elected as the leader of the boys, initially embodies order, democracy, and the desire to establish a civilized society on the island. He focuses on building shelters, maintaining the signal fire, and organizing a system of rules and responsibilities. Conversely, Jack, who leads the choirboys, is consumed by a desire for power, savagery, and the pursuit of hunting. His disdain for rules and authority leads him to form a tribe of hunters, where violence and primal instincts take precedence. The stark contrast between Ralph's adherence to societal norms and Jack's descent into savagery highlights the tension between civilization and the primal nature of humanity. Throughout the novel, Golding uses symbolism to underscore the conflict between Ralph's leadership and Jack's savagery. The conch shell, which initially represents order and civilization, gradually loses its power as the boys' society descends into chaos. It becomes a symbol of the waning influence of reason and order, reflecting the shift towards savagery as Jack gains control. Similarly, the idea of the "beast" evolves from a mere figment of the boys' imagination to a manifestation of their inner darkness and capacity for savagery. These symbols reinforce the contrast between Ralph's commitment to civilization and Jack's embrace of savagery, offering a poignant commentary on the fragile nature of societal norms in the face of primal instincts. In summary, Ralph and Jack's contrasting portrayals serve as pivotal representations of the enduring theme of civilization versus savagery in "Lord of the Flies." Their divergent approaches to leadership and societal organization, as well as the symbolic significance of objects such as the conch shell and the concept of the "beast," effectively underscore the novel's exploration of the inherent struggle between the desire for order and the allure of primal instincts. Through the characters of Ralph and Jack, Golding compellingly examines the delicate balance between civilization and savagery, offering profound insights into human nature and the challenges of maintaining societal norms in the face of raw, innate impulses.

4.2. The Conch Shell and the Beast: Symbolism in the Novel

The symbolism of the conch shell and the beast in "Lord of the Flies" is an essential aspect of the novel's exploration of civilization versus savagery. The conch shell, discovered by Ralph and Piggy, quickly becomes a symbol of order and authority on the island. Its power lies in the fact that it can gather the boys together, allowing them to have civilized discussions and make decisions as a group. However, as the boys become increasingly consumed by their primal instincts, the conch shell loses its authority and is ultimately destroyed, symbolizing the complete breakdown of their civilized society. On the other hand, the beast represents the primal, instinctual nature that lurks within each of the boys. At first, the beast is thought to be an external threat, something to be feared and fought against. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the real beast is the darkness within themselves. The boys' descent into savagery is mirrored in their increasing belief in the beast, ultimately culminating in the tragic and violent climax of the story. These symbols work in tandem to underscore the central theme of the novel, highlighting the fragility of civilization in the face of human nature's innate tendency towards savagery. The conch shell and the beast serve as potent symbols of the eternal struggle between order and chaos, a struggle that ultimately leads to the devastation of the boys' society on the island.

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, "Lord of the Flies" serves as a powerful exploration of the timeless theme of civilization versus savagery. Through the experiences of the stranded boys on the island, the novel showcases the inherent struggle between the instinctual desire for chaos and the societal constructs that aim to maintain order. The characters' descent into savagery highlights the fragility of civilization and the capacity for darkness within human nature. Ultimately, the novel teaches us about the thin line between order and chaos, and the importance of maintaining our humanity in the face of adversity. The implications of the novel for society and human nature are profound. "Lord of the Flies" challenges readers to consider the impact of societal structures and the potential for breakdown in the absence of these safeguards. It forces us to confront the reality that the capacity for savagery exists within all individuals, and that it is essential to actively strive towards maintaining civilization. The novel also prompts reflection on the nature of human behavior and the influence of environment on our actions. Its exploration of the inherent struggle between the desire for power and the need for community serves as a cautionary tale for the potential consequences of unchecked human impulses. Overall, "Lord of the Flies" offers a thought-provoking commentary on the dynamics of civilization and savagery, leaving a lasting impression on readers about the complexities of human nature.

5.1. Revisiting the Central Theme: What Does the Novel Teach Us?

In revisiting the central theme of "Lord of the Flies," we are confronted with the profound lesson that civilization is a fragile construct that can easily give way to savagery. The novel teaches us that the thin veneer of civilization can be peeled away, revealing the innate primal instincts that lurk beneath. Through the boys' descent into chaos and violence, Golding illustrates the timeless struggle between order and chaos, and the inherent capacity for evil in human nature. The novel also teaches us about the corrupting influence of power and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. As the boys vie for leadership and dominance, we witness the disintegration of their societal structures and the rise of brutality. This serves as a stark warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and the potential for abuse when individuals seek to exert control over others. Additionally, "Lord of the Flies" reminds us of the importance of ethical and moral guidance in upholding civilization, as the absence of adult authority leads to an unraveling of societal norms and the triumph of savagery. Ultimately, the novel teaches us that the line between civilization and savagery is permeable and constantly under threat. It challenges us to confront the darker aspects of human nature and provokes reflection on the delicate balance between order and disorder within society. As we apply these lessons to our understanding of the world, we are compelled to consider the implications for society and human nature, which will be explored in the following section.

5.2. Implications for Society and Human Nature

The novel "Lord of the Flies" offers profound implications for both society and human nature. At its core, the book examines the conflict between civilization and savagery, presenting a stark portrayal of the inherent human capacity for both rationality and barbarism. This dichotomy serves as a powerful allegory for the duality of human nature and carries significant implications for our understanding of society. One of the key implications pertains to the fragility of civilization. As exemplified by the descent into chaos on the island, Golding suggests that the trappings of civilization - such as laws, norms, and societal structures - are tenuous constructs that can easily unravel in the absence of authority and order. This raises thought-provoking questions about the fundamental nature of human society and the underlying forces that maintain social order. Furthermore, the novel also delves into the darker aspects of human nature, demonstrating how the primal instincts of fear, violence, and self-interest can undermine the veneer of civilization. This exploration prompts poignant reflections on the complexities of human behavior and the inherent struggle between our noble aspirations and baser impulses. In essence, the implications of "Lord of the Flies" for society and human nature urge us to confront the intricacies of human society and the delicate balance between civility and savagery within ourselves.

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Theme of Savagery Versus Civilization in Lord of The Flies

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Civilisation vs savagery

The battle between civilisation and savagery is represented in a number of Golding’s novels, most famously in  Lord of the Flies  and  The Inheritors .

Lord of the Flies

In  Lord of the Flies , the fragile civilisation created by the boys on the island fragments and the boys divide into two camps. Ralph and Piggy remain ‘civilised’, continuing to obey and uphold the rules, despite the threat from violence of Jack’s hunters, who symbolise savagery. Jack’s group don’t just act in a savage manner – they paint their faces in order to look ‘savage’, and to enhance their levels of intimidation.  Lord of the Flies  is an allegorical tale of the danger when civilisation breaks down, and savagery takes over.

The Inheritors

Civilisation vs savagery is somewhat more complicated in  The Inheritors . We might consider that the Neanderthal people are not particularly civilised, as they are a simple group, with a lack of tools, and only rudimentary knowledge. However, they are gentle and non-confrontational, even refusing to kill animals for meat. The ‘new people’ (Homo Sapiens) have an abundance of tools, but seek to dominate the other group. Despite their organised society and family groups, the new people are savage in their behaviour. Here Golding demonstrates that intelligence and strength do not equal civilisation.

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Civilazation versus Savagery in The Lord of the Flies

2019, Civilazation versus Savagery in The Lord of the Flies

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William max

The novel “Lord of the Flies” was written by William Golding prior to World War II. Ideally, the novel outlines a story of 12 boys who got stranded in uninhabited Island when their airplane crashed. This assignment focuses on symbolism that the author applies to reveal or bring out his message in the novel. The story involves several characters. The characters described on this assignment include Ralph (democratic and civilized leader), Jackson (dictatorial leader), Piggy (a vulnerable character), Simon (a saint and a Christ-like character), and Samneric (identical twins most referred to as ‘bigguns’). Typically, the thesis is divided into four main parts which include the introduction, literature review, analysis, and conclusion. Noticeably, the objective of this assignment is to describe the extent to which William Golding applies symbolism in the novel “Lord of the Flies”. Towards this end, the paper focuses on five inanimate objects or symbols that Golding uses to bring his message to the readers. The five main symbols discussed include the conch shell which a symbol of power and authority, the lord of the flies which is the most valuable symbol in the novel, and the beast which is a symbol for instinct of aggressiveness and violence among humankind. The two other symbols include the signal fire which signifies the call for ships to come to the rescue of the stranded boys, and Piggy glasses which symbolize human intellect and innovations due to the development of science. However, some themes come up while analyzing symbolism in this novel. These themes include loss of innocence, civilization versus violence, and pessimism. Nevertheless, symbolism is used in several instances but this assignment concentrates only on the five inanimate objects aforementioned.

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This research study is an attempt to assessthematically the underlying ideas implied by the novel Lordof the Flies. The novel realistically reflects the social and cultural human conditions of the contemporary time. Itrevolves around the idea of the evil inherent specifically in human andin society at large. The author is of the view that man by nature is evil. It is the cult of civilization which thwarts that evil from emerging. In addition to, the author has interwoven a variety of thematic interests including, the emergence of evil, loss of civilization, the motif of power, the fate of the intellectual, the uncertainty of life, symbolic manifestations and the essence of pessimism. KEYWORDS: Golding, Lord, Flies, Evil, Thematic, Evaluation, Civilization, Motif

Daniyal Wali

The characters in Lord of the Flies possess recognizable symbolic significance, which make them as the sort of people around us. Ralph stands for civilization and democracy; Piggy represents intellect and rationalism; Jack signifies savagery and dictatorship; Simon is the incarnation of goodness and saintliness. All of these efficiently portray the microcosm of that society.

Ayansola Ibukun

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This paper is a literary analysis of Golding's novel Lord of the Flies using Paul De Man's approach to deconstruction which is a means to literary criticism. Using a Christian context, the paper examines how events and some characters in Lord of the Flies fit into the Bible.

Mustafa Akyüz

Lord of the Flies (1954) is truly one of the most important works that illustrates the relationship between humankind and politics in the English literature. In the story, we witness a group of boys that have survived from a plain-wreck, finding themselves in a solitary island which has no sign of civilization. The situation puts forth interesting questions about how the boys will react to this isolated environment. “The isolated island provides an appropriate stage for the survival story of the deserted boys, but also suggests a universal, timeless backdrop for symbolic action.” (Dickson, 1990)In the socio-political philosophies, there had been many important and grandly influential works written that enables us to answer these questions surrounding Golding’s island. In this field of philosophy, the attempt is to establish a set of written and unwritten rules that each member of the society sacrifices a portion of their liberty into responsibility, which would in turn benefit all of the society.What these philosophers were trying to craft was a co-operative society, which had divided it’s order of power within it’s instututions. They were trying to establish healthy working organs for their society which represented and consecrated to the ultimate power. In Golding’s story the boys are left to answer these questions and have to co-operate in order to survive. This aspect of the novel makes it a unique allegory of the theories that has been debated on this subject.

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Makki, M. (2010). ELABORATING ON THE BIBLICAL ALLEGORIES OF THE NOVEL, LORD OF THE FLIES. The Tenth International Language, Literature and Stylistics Symposium, Ankara, Turkey, Gazi University.

Mohammad Makki

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