The Concept of Civilization Versus Savagery in Lord of the Flies: Examining How the Boys’ Descent into Savagery Reflects the Collapse of Societal Norms
The Concept of Civilization Versus Savagery in Lord of the Flies: Examining How the Boys’ Descent into Savagery Reflects the Collapse of Societal Norms
Lord of the Flies explores the tension between civilization and savagery through the boys’ behavior as they adapt to life on the island. Initially, the boys try to maintain the structures of society, establishing rules and electing Ralph as their leader. However, as time passes, their behavior becomes increasingly wild and savage, particularly under the influence of Jack, who encourages a rejection of civilization in favor of primal instincts.
The novel examines how the veneer of civilization can quickly dissolve when individuals are removed from societal norms and placed in a survival situation. The boys’ descent into savagery is marked by their growing obsession with hunting, their disregard for rules, and their increasingly violent behavior. As their actions become more ruthless, the collapse of order mirrors the disintegration of the society they once knew.
Golding uses the boys’ transformation from civilized schoolchildren to violent savages to explore the fragility of civilization. He argues that, without the constraints of society and moral codes, humans are capable of descending into chaos and barbarism. The novel suggests that civilization is not an inherent part of human nature but a fragile construct that can be easily destroyed.
5. The Significance of the “Beast” in Lord of the Flies: Exploring the Psychological and Symbolic Meaning of the Beast as a Manifestation of Fear
The “beast” in Lord of the Flies represents more than just a physical monster; it is a powerful symbol of fear, the unknown, and the darkness within each of the boys. Initially, the boys are terrified of the idea of a beast on the island, but as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the true “beast” is not a literal creature, but the boys’ own internal fears and primal instincts.
The idea of the beast grows as a psychological manifestation of the boys’ increasing anxiety, their fear of the unknown, and the power of their imaginations. The beast symbolizes the irrational fear that grows when there is no longer any rational order. As the boys become more frightened, they create a narrative around the beast that justifies their descent into savagery, leading them to commit acts of violence in the name of protecting themselves.
Golding uses the beast to illustrate how fear can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to the breakdown of reason and morality. The fear of the beast is a reflection of the boys’ fear of themselves and their own capacity for evil, highlighting how fear can drive individuals to abandon their humanity in favor of violence and chaos.
