Masks Revealed in Golding's LORD OF THE FLIES

             Things are not always as they seem. In fact, in today's society, things are rarely as they seem. William Golding's novel LORD OF THE FLIES shows the masks that we as humans in a civilized world put on and describes how human beings conceal both good and evil qualities. Do we live in a world of disguise? When I really sit down to think about it, I disturbingly find it true.
             Most everything from government to the church possesses a dark secret. We as citizens hide our secrets to appear as a refined society. The United States government remains the most powerful in the world, but people fail to ask how. We do not want to admit that our country, America the beautiful, could contain immoral leadership. So we deny it. Everyone denies it, even the President and Congressional leaders. We simply accept the power and honor, no if, ands, or buts about it.
             LORD OF THE FLIES begins in a similar way. Ralph assumes the role of chief in what appears as an organized group of young boys. However, as their organization depletes, so does the quality of leadership. As Jack begins to gain authority, he removes his mask. He reveals an evil side, which he would never have shown before. As his followers increase in number, the mob increases its violence. Eventually, they outnumber the "good" in the novel. Leadership today could take a similar course if we remove many standards. Which leads many to question: can masks constitute a good purpose?
             Fear of rejection, longing for acceptance, concealment of evil, and fear in general all lead to the disguises of society. The poem "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar describes the pain and suffering he and many other slaves covered up with laughter and smiles.
             We wear the mask that grins and lies,
             It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,-
             This debt we pay to human guile;
             With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
             ...

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Masks Revealed in Golding's LORD OF THE FLIES. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 02:30, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/84982.html