Lord of the Flies Allegory Civilization vs. Savagery Essay

Lord of the Flies Allegory: Civilization vs. Savagery Every human has a primal instinct lying within them. It is not a question of how close to the actual surface it dwells, but rather how well an individual controls and copes with it. In a state of prolonged anguish and panic, what is one truly capable of? Can one remain sophisticated or will the temptation of their dark subconscious take over, bringing out the barbarianism which exists in us all? William Golding’s Lord of the Flies explores this inquiry through an allegory represented by a group of boys who have been marooned on a deserted island, with no surviving adults. Lord of the Flies has been interpreted and analyzed in several different manners; scholars have derived that the†¦show more content†¦They politely sit and listen to him, obeying the rules of never interrupting the person holding the conch. Ralphs traits of understanding and individualism make him an ideal leader who upholds his former British society’s rules and standards. He is the only one who cares about the well-being of everyone by building shelters and starting the signal fire. He holds the society together and without him it would crumble. Jack is the total opposite of Ralph. He represents savagery and the hunger for power. In a world where evil easily corrupts ones soul, it is Jack who eventually prevails and overthrows Ralph. Jack steadily progresses into becoming a full savage throughout the novel. â€Å"I thought I might kill,† (Golding, 51). Jacks first encounters with the pigs are developmental. Physically he is capable of hunting them down, but mentally he is still chained down by the shackles of civilized society. However eventually he lets go of his old ways and lets his primal instincts surface in order to hunt his prey. Jack also pines for Ralph’s position as chief. He tries to manipulate people into questioning Ralph’s orders and not listening to Ralph at all. â€Å"A fire! Make a fire! At once half the boys were on their feet. Jack clamored among them, the conch forgotten.† â€Å"Come on! Follow me!† Jack uses the children’s excitement to his advantage egging them on instead of telling them to listen to Ralph. He wants Ralph to haveShow MoreRelatedLord of the Flies3107 Words   |  13 PagesLord of the Flies William Golding In Between the Modern and the Postmodern Content: 1. Fragments chosen.............................................................................. 2. In Between the Modern and the Postmodern - essey........................ 3. Questions.............................................................................................. 4. Bibliography........................................................................................ [Read MoreLord Of The Flies Literary Analysis1191 Words   |  5 Pages â€Å"Lord of the Flies† written by William Golding and published in 1954 is an allegory and social commentary that takes place on a deserted tropical island. An island that becomes populated when a plane crashes and leaves British schoolboys stranded. The group of boys attempt to recreate the civilization they came from, by choosing a leader: Ralph but, Jack wants to lead also, which causes the boys to little by little leave civility and form into savages. The microcosm Golding creates exploresRead Morelord of the flies notebook check4355 Words   |  20 Pagesï » ¿Lord of the Flies Notebook Check 1. â€Å"Why Boys Become Vicious† Author Study 2. Vocabulary 3. Characterization 4. Plot/Conflict 5. Symbolism 6. Allegory 7. Chapters 1, 2, and 3 Questions 8. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 Questions 9. Chapters 7, 8, and 9 Questions 10. Chapters 10, 11, and 12 Questions Notebook Check #1: â€Å"Why Boys Become Vicious† Author Study â€Å"Why Boys Become Vicious† (1989) William Golding Written in response to the murder of a two-year-old boy by two twelve-year-old boys. AnswerRead MoreScript For English Project Analysis1993 Words   |  8 Pagesobservance of the New Moon holiday in Chinese culture, whereas family feasts with turkeys are traditionally held during Thanksgiving in the American culture. At the same time, traditions behave as the foundation of many lifestyles and even entire civilizations themselves in our world. While this creates a sense of security and belonging, detriments are soon to follow if such customs are too strictly adhered to. Hence, change in a tradition is called upon when one’s virtues must be advanced to suit his