An author's view of human behavior is often reflected in their works.
             The novels All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and Lord
             of the Flies by William Golding are both examples of works that demonstrate
             their author's view of man, as well his opinion of war.
             Golding's Lord of the Flies is highly demonstrative of Golding's
             opinion that society is a thin and fragile veil that when removed shows man
             for what he truly is, a savage animal. Perhaps the bet demonstration of
             this given by Golding is Jack's progression to the killing of the sow.
             Upon first landing on the island Jack, Ralph, and Simon go to survey their
             new home. Along the way the boys have their first encounter with the
             island's pigs. They see a piglet caught in some of the plants. Quickly
             Jack draws his knife so as to kill the piglet. Instead of completing the
             act, however, Jack hesitates. Golding states that, "The pause was only
             long enough for them to realize the enormity of what the downward stroke
             would be." Golding is suggesting that the societal taboos placed on
             killing are still ingrained within Jack. The next significant encounter in
             Jack's progression is his first killing of a pig. There is a description
             of a great celebration. The boys chant "Kill the pig. Cut her throat.
             Spill her blood." It is clear from Golding's description of the revelry
             that followed the killing that the act of the hunt provided the boys with
             more than food. The action of killing another living thing gives them
             pleasure. The last stage in Jack's metamorphosis is demonstrated by the
             murder of the sow. Golding describes the killing almost as a rape. He
             says, "Jack was on top of the sow, stabbing downward wherever pig flesh
             appeared ... Jack found the throat, and the hot blood spouted over his
             hands. The sow collapsed under them and they were heavy and fulfilled upon
             her." In this case it is certain that ...