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Lord of the Flies, a novel by William Golding, tells the story of a group of young boys who get stranded on a remote island after their plane crashes. The boys struggle to build their own society without help from grownups. At first, they are successful, but throughout the course of the novel, many incidents occur that bring about the downfall of the boys society. One thing that brings about the downfall of the boys society is the conflict that arises between Ralph, the elected chief of the group who is easy going but fairly responsible, and Jack, leader of the choirboys who eventually becomes the chief of hunters. Ralph represents law, order, and an organized society (Jonathan J. Moniaci).
He is constantly making reasonable rules for the boys to follow and, as chief, he knows right from wrong (Jonathan J. Moniaci). Although Ralph is seen as a good chief, he does have his own faults that lead to the downfall of the boys society. Because Ralph is so easygoing, the boys tend to walk all over him.
They end up breaking every rule that Ralph has set for them to follow (Golding 72 - 73). Jack, and his tribe, represent anarchy (Jonathan J. Moniaci). Jack would rather spend his time hunting and killing rather than helping Ralph with their rescue.
In chapter eight, Jack goes off and starts his own tribe where he is the chief. He has the ability to tell people what they want to hear which in turn makes people want to follow him. He tells his followers that they will no longer worry about the beast and that they will leave some of their kill for the beast so it will leave them alone (121). When Simon, a young boy who is seen as a Christ-like figure in the novel, tries to tell Jack and his tribe of the beast, Jack leads them in killing Simon because he says he is the beast (139). This shows that Jack is taking the boys away from society and leading them into savageness.
The repetition of the phrase Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood! shows that the boys begin to not think anymore, and killing becomes a natural instinct to them (139). Because of the power struggle between the two boys, the conflict between Ralph and Jack becomes a major reason for the downfall of the boys society. Another thing that brings about the downfall of the boys society is the fear of the beastie (34).
The beast is the evil that lives in man (Jonathan J. Moniaci). Everyone was aware that a beast existed, but only Simon knew that it lived within them and that the savagery they have suppressed for so long is what they should really fear (Magill 755). Sam n Eric, the twins, think they see the beast when they are watching the fire on the mountain (89). The increasing fear of the beast causes the boys to again not think straight which in turn brings about the downfall of the society. The fear of the beast also leads to more hunts.
Jack and his men set out to hunt the beast on many occasions. On one such occasion they kill a pregnant pig and Jack then precedes to place the head of the pig on a stick as a gift for the beast (121 - 131). This head is for the beast. It s a gift. (124).
Because the boys do not want to come to the reality that the beast lies within them, they use Simon as a scapegoat when they kill him in chapter nine (139). This shows that the boys are becoming savages. The boys fear of the beast causes them to become savage like which brings about the downfall of their society. A final reason for the downfall of the boys society is their immaturity and lack of responsibility. After building only a few shelters, the boys begin to swim and roll rocks rather than work. This shows that they are irresponsible when it comes to what needs to be done for survival.
Also, the hunters do not follow orders in keeping a signal fire going because they would rather hunt (63 - 64). The signal fire symbolizes a hope for help and rescue. The boys miss the chance to signal a passing ship as a result of hunting too much (63 - 64). Towards the end of the novel Ralph tells of his frustration in the boys irresponsibility: Just an ordinary fire. You d think we could do that, wouldn t you? Just a smoke signal so we can be rescued.
Are we savages or what? Ships may be passing (155). The boys not being able to keep a simple fire going shows that they are lacking in responsibility which leads to the downfall of their society. A decent society cannot be run without everyone working together and without everyone being responsible and mature. Golding shows this in his novel when the boys society gets worse and worse because different incidents occur that cause the boys to turn against each other and bring about the downfall of their society.
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