Society in Lord of the Flies Essay Example

Golding’s central point in the novel is that a conflict between the impulse toward civilization and the impulse toward savagery rages within each human individual. Each of the main characters in the novel represents a certain idea or aspect of this spectrum between civilization and savagery. Ralph, for instance, embodies the civilizing impulse, as he strives from the start to create order among the boys and to build a stable society on the island. Piggy, meanwhile, represents the scientific and intellectual aspects of civilization.

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At the other end of the spectrum, Jack embodies the impulse toward savagery and the unchecked desire for power and domination. Even more extreme is Roger, who represents the drive for violence and bloodlust in its purest form. Furthermore, just as various characters embody thematic concepts in the novel, a number of objects do as well. The conch shell, which is used to summon the boys to gatherings and as a emblem of the right to speak at those gatherings, represents order, civilization, and political legitimacy. Piggy’s glasses, which are used to make fire, represent the power of science and intellectual endeavor. The sow’s head in the jungle, meanwhile, embodies the human impulse toward savagery, violence, and barbarism that exists within each person. Throughout Lord of the Flies, Golding uses these characters and objects to represent and emphasize elements of the themes and ideas he explores in the novel.

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Chaos and savagery come about as a result of men trying to attain pleasure without making any sacrifice or applying any effort. While order and civilization are situations in which humans are forced to suppress their instincts and follow rules to attain higher goals. In a world with rule and order we're forced to put on a mask of respectability and sacrifice some pleasures for the greater good of society. The society we live in shapes and forms us to act the way we do, but it cannot completely wipe out the savage nature of men, for that is our base foundation.

Golding demonstrates this world-view by putting English boys alone to fend for themselves on an island without any adults to enforce civilization. Each of the characters define parts of society. Ralph represents law and democracy, Piggy represents innovation and discovery, Simon represents the natural goodness in humanity, Jack represents tyranny, Roger represents cruelty and injustice, the littluns represent the common poor people, and the bigguns

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represent the higher class in the society. The novel shows what happens when these elements of society clash without laws.

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In the presence of authority, social rules create laws and civility through the enforcement of loyalty and punishments by defying regulations disguising the selfish, inhumane desire for pleasure and violence. A society controlled through governmental rule and manipulation enforces loyalty and righteousness, masking the desires for selfish pleasure and savagery.