Corruption In Lord Of The Flies Quote Analysis

1667 Words4 Pages

From Power to Corruption “Maybe there is a beast… maybe it's only us” (Golding 80). Referencing the savagery of human nature, this statement is one with great accuracy. While reading Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, many themes and problems presented themselves. The book really highlighted the use of power, and the types of people using it. People in society, whether they want power or not, can use their authority without the best intentions, corrupting themselves and others into inhumanity. For example, Jack uses his urge for authority, and eventually his control, to create an extremely savage tribe of boys, by pushing his own wants and laws onto them. This type of power can demoralize many people, including the ultimate …show more content…

Numerous times in the book, this was acquainted with the characteristic of savagery. After failing to kill his first pig, and soon experiencing the rush of trying to catch another, the thirst for it began to become exposed. " Rescue? Yes, of course! All the same, I'd like to catch a pig first-" He snatched up his spear and dashed it into the ground. The opaque, mad look came into his eyes again” (Golding 53). Highlighting the mad look in his from this quote, really draws the attention towards the evolving butal nature inside of him. Almost paying no mind to this at the time, Ralph and the other boys let is roll of their shoulders. “‘You wouldn't care to help with the shelters, I suppose?’ ‘We want meat - ’ ‘And we don't get it.’ Now the antagonism was audible. ‘But I shall! Next time! I've got to get a barb on this spear! We wounded a pig and the spear fell out.’” (51) Each time he goes out, the frustration of his neglect rises from others especially Ralph, and his inhumanity …show more content…

“‘I got the conch’ Said Piggy indignantly. ’You let me speak!’ ‘ The conch doesn’t count on top of the mountain" Said Jack,’So you shut up’” (42). Here, is one of his first acts of antagonism towards his fellow human beings. The declaration he makes, claiming that Piggy has no right to speak out, displays how Jack tries to lower others in order to gain a greater authoritative position for himself. This is evidence for the statement that he uses the leadership he does have with little intentions of bettering the group as a whole. Noticeability of this from the boys on the island increases, mostly with Piggy, Ralph, Simon, and Samneric. Ruthlessness depicted through Jack begins to stand out to them. Piggy quotes, “I been in bed so much I done some thinking. I know about people. I know about me. And him. He can't hurt you; but if you stand out of the way he'd hurt the next thing. And that's me”

Open Document