In reference to his novel Lord of the Flies, William Golding once stated that it was "an attempt to trace the defects of society back to the defects of human nature." Throughout the novel, Golding depicts specific events to give relevance to his statement. Three of the defects he focuses on are: man's abuse of power, man's self-centered motives, and man's destruction of nature.
             Both Ralph and Jack held leadership positions at one point in the novel. Although Ralph was a good leader, he still made exceptions for himself from the rules of the society. "And he won't be interrupted. Except by me" (Ralph, p. 33). As chief of the group, Ralph compiled a set of rules to be followed by the group, but he did not have to abide by them. To keep everyone from talking all at once Ralph thought it would be a good idea for only the person with the conch in his hands to speak. This was a good rule, except that Ralph was excepted from it. Ralph abused his power in what seemed to be harmless ways, but all the same took advantage of his position.
             When Jack established himself as leader of the "hunting tribe", he took full advantage of his position and ruled in a tyrant-like fashion. What Jack said is what the tribe did, no questions asked. "The chief said we have to challenge everyone" (Robert, p.159). Tiny infractions of rules and disobedience were punished with unnecessary torture. "He got angry and made us tie Wilfred up" (Robert, p. 159). The power that Jack feels being able to punish another human being leads to his over abuse of his position.
             With the exception of Simon, the actions the boys take are all based on the desire to improve their own individual positions. In the novel, Ralph is always worried about the fire. While it is true that they need the smoke signal to be rescued, the fire means more to Ralph. The fire symbolizes Ralph's hopes of ever leaving the island, without the fire Ralph has no will to survive. When...