Lord of the Flies

             Many readers find it difficult to accept "Lord of the Flies" because it seems to suggest that the human race is naturally evil. Show that there is another side to the picture and that in Piggy, Ralph and Simon, Golding reveals much that is admirable in mankind.
             In "Lord of the Flies", Golding suggests that once man is freed from social conditioning and obligation, the intrinsic sense of evil will be revealed in him. He destroys the optimistic view of human nature by showing how even the most innocent of all – children can deteriorate into primitive savages once freed from the trappings of society.
             This view, that man is capable of gross wickedness, is central to the whole novel. It is revealed through Simon's conversation with the imaginary Lord of the Flies when he realises that the real beast is one that exists in all the boys. However, Golding also shows that if man is willing to recognise the evil potential in his nature, he will able to curb his own evil instincts.
             It is important to note how much the boys manage to achieve before their inner fears destroy their sense of responsibility and reason, that is, before the boys finally succumb to savagery and violence. They discover fire, they build shelters (albeit prone to collapsing!), they explore the island, they go on hunting trips, and they delegate social responsibilities. Initially, one would be inclined to think that Jack's leadership is a poor one as he relies on brute strength. However, Jack is shrewd enough to know that the boys' survival is as important as rescue. Food has to be hunted; emotional needs (which Ralph tries to deny) have to be satisfied.
             Also, Piggy, Ralph and Simon serve as reminders in the novel that there remains much to be admired in mankind. Each of them displays positive qualities of wisdom and goodness in their own way.
             For all his physical weaknesses like asthma, myopia and fatness, Piggy is no doubt...

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Lord of the Flies. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 15:58, May 19, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/39649.html