Savagery Lord Of The Flies Character Analysis

The novel Lord of the flies challenges active and thoughtful readers in numerous ways, which encouraged educators worldwide have their students read the text. This paper will focus on the theme of good vs. evil (or civilization vs. savagery), exploring two opposing impulses acting as the driving force of the novel: the instinct to act peacefully, follow moral guidelines, and value the good of the group, vs. the instinct to gratify one’s immediate desires, act violently to obtain supremacy over others, and enforce one’s will. The novel can be seen as an allegory; each character symbolizing different aspects of human society. Jack, is a very individual leader, who makes decisions on his own and uses terror to gather followers, therefore, represents savagery and a desire for power. Whereas, Ralph is a thoughtful leader, that considers and consults. He is motivated by a desire to improve circumstances for everybody, therefore, represents order and leadership. Further illustration the allegory is the conch, acting as a symbol of order and authority.
Henceforth, readers can benefit from understanding how these allegories apply to society and human nature. In addition, students can explore the necessity of moral rules, as a guide for human behavior, and a means to maintain social order, …show more content…
The island is full of good things: fresh water, abundant fruit, fish, crabs, and materials to make shelters. Yet, the boys gradually allow fear and chaos to control the formation of their “Island society”, creating the dystopian setting of the novel. The term dystopia refers to a futuristic, fictional place or state in which everything is unpleasant or corrupt, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one. Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political