The 1954 novel, Lord of the Flies, contains a subtle political commentary on government. After fighting in World War II, Golding saw the detrimental effects upon society after the failure of democracy. He found that when a democratic government cannot sustain itself, society falls into disarray. By using three different characters, Golding demonstrates how these governments cause people to act. As the island boys slowly descend into chaos, Golding transitions them through the reigns of democracy under Ralph, tyranny under Jack, and anarchy, illustrated by Roger. Through each boy's actions, characteristics, and goals, Golding aligns his characters with the traits of government. By the end of Lord of the Flies, Golding demonstrates to readers
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Within this chapter, the boys are in an uproar because of a sighting of The Beast. Jack uses the conch to call a meeting, and during the meeting, Jack calls Ralph a coward and tries to get the other boys to vote him out of power. None of the island boys follow his suggestion and Jack storms off alone. The boys who remain with Ralph begin to make a new signal fire at Piggy's suggestion. During the creation of the new fire, many of the remaining boys sneak off to join Jack in the forest. In Jack's new tribe, where he declares himself chief, the boys begin to hunt. They kill a large sow, and they leave her head on a stake as an offering to The Beast. Jack's tribe then steals fire from Ralph and invites the boys to a feast. Alone, Simon sneaks off to a secret place in the forest. While there, he finds the bloody offering of the sow's head. He begins to speak to the head, called the "Lord of the Flies." The Lord of the Flies tells Simon that he is The Beast, and that he is going to have some fun with Simon. This segment of Golding's tale contains elements that show readers the transition of power between governments. Furthermore, Golding presents key traits of Ralph, Jack, and Roger that support his argument for democracy in chapter
Within this chapter, the boys are in an uproar because of a sighting of The Beast. Jack uses the conch to call a meeting, and during the meeting, Jack calls Ralph a coward and tries to get the other boys to vote him out of power. None of the island boys follow his suggestion and Jack storms off alone. The boys who remain with Ralph begin to make a new signal fire at Piggy's suggestion. During the creation of the new fire, many of the remaining boys sneak off to join Jack in the forest. In Jack's new tribe, where he declares himself chief, the boys begin to hunt. They kill a large sow, and they leave her head on a stake as an offering to The Beast. Jack's tribe then steals fire from Ralph and invites the boys to a feast. Alone, Simon sneaks off to a secret place in the forest. While there, he finds the bloody offering of the sow's head. He begins to speak to the head, called the "Lord of the Flies." The Lord of the Flies tells Simon that he is The Beast, and that he is going to have some fun with Simon. This segment of Golding's tale contains elements that show readers the transition of power between governments. Furthermore, Golding presents key traits of Ralph, Jack, and Roger that support his argument for democracy in chapter