Civilization Of Society In William Golding's Lord Of The Flies

Ayanna Bedard

Mrs.Layte

English 2H

23 May 2014

Lord of the Flies

Within every man there is a savage, and when given the tools to kill and destroy his true nature prevails. In society we rely on rules and mandated structure to keep peace, but what if those rules were to disappear? Is society in place just to control our inner savage? In the novel Lord of the flies, William Golding constructs his ideas on society by pitting civilization against savagery. Through allegory, characters, and events, Golding proposes that being civilized is a product of society; however, he also suggests civilization isn't as resilient as most would want to believe.

In the beginning of the story, Golding presents civilization as the key to what is right and wrong. Ralph’s first thought is to hold a meeting showing that he and the group are accustomed to a world of structure and stability. Golding makes Ralph the symbol of social order and principles. Holding a meeting allows the boys to communicate and choose a leader. Piggy records the boys’ names which gives everyone within the newly constructed society an identity just like if they were in England. Roger displays the boys' sense of right and wrong while throwing rocks at a littlun.

Yet there was a space around Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and law. Roger’s arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins(62).

Even without adults or policemen to dictate right from wrong, Roger still has a sense of civilization. Roger would never throw the rocks directly at Henry to harm him, but he later goes ...

... middle of paper ...

...of reason. The difference between Piggy and Simon’s death is that Simon is killed by everyone. Piggy is killed by one boy, Roger. In the face of evil every man has a different breaking point. Simon and Piggy stayed true to the morals of civilization helping Ralph stay in check along the way. The other boys who followed Jack seemed to descend so quickly. Each boy has a point in which they find themselves. It is all about their personality. Ralph knew killing Simon was wrong, but Jack was able to convince himself and the hunters that it was just the beast. “He was shivering...that was Simon...that was murder”(156).

Golding also begins to refer to the boys as savages. He is reiterating the fact that the boys have lost all sense of civilization and are now fully savage. “The two savages looked at each other, raised their spears together and spoke in time” (141).