Corruption often erupts when rulers break any boundaries to establish order with violent and illogical means. Reason and civil laws encourage peace and a prosperous civilization, but are often overridden by brute force. When a group of young boys crash-land on a deserted island without any adults or civilization, they are forced to institute a series of laws and a hierarchy amongst themselves. Divided between ideals of order and logic and savagery and turbulence, the boys, ranging in age from 6 to 12, instinctively chose violence over law. As Ralph, the original leader who proposed rules and specialization of jobs, decreased in popularity, a barbaric chief, Jack, introduced hunting and brutality to the clan. He promptly gained support and
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The boys aimed to establish an orderly system that mocked their previous community. Unfortunately, the conch gradually transformed into a symbol of power and greed. Once the competition for power between Ralph and Jack was made aware, the conch became an item in jeopardy. However, it appeared that Jack was not awed by the capability of the conch. ““When I saw Jack I was sure he’d go for the conch. Can’t think why.” The group of boys looked at the white shell with affectionate respect” (Golding, 141). While Jack was crazed with power and overlooked the conch without hesitation, the rest of the boys who followed Ralph’s ideals obeyed the conch and respected it as their most prized possession. They held on to the meaning of the conch just as they held onto their memories of society. As the division between the two groups grows, Jack’s mind becomes increasingly poisoned as corruption runs through his veins. Once the conch is shattered and can no longer be used to constitute order, violence and communism take over the clan. The breaking of the conch symbolizes the loss of the last straw of civilization the boys tried to hold on to. However, the conch is soon replaced with a pig’s skull. “...looked steadily at the
The boys aimed to establish an orderly system that mocked their previous community. Unfortunately, the conch gradually transformed into a symbol of power and greed. Once the competition for power between Ralph and Jack was made aware, the conch became an item in jeopardy. However, it appeared that Jack was not awed by the capability of the conch. ““When I saw Jack I was sure he’d go for the conch. Can’t think why.” The group of boys looked at the white shell with affectionate respect” (Golding, 141). While Jack was crazed with power and overlooked the conch without hesitation, the rest of the boys who followed Ralph’s ideals obeyed the conch and respected it as their most prized possession. They held on to the meaning of the conch just as they held onto their memories of society. As the division between the two groups grows, Jack’s mind becomes increasingly poisoned as corruption runs through his veins. Once the conch is shattered and can no longer be used to constitute order, violence and communism take over the clan. The breaking of the conch symbolizes the loss of the last straw of civilization the boys tried to hold on to. However, the conch is soon replaced with a pig’s skull. “...looked steadily at the