Savagery Vs Civilization Analysis

Lord of the flies is about a bunch of boys who had crashed on an island because of an imaginary nuclear war. On the island the boys try to survive how they best see fit at the time. Jack and Ralph, the two main characters represent savagery versus civilization. This conflict between Jack and Ralph have an effect on all the other boys who are also stranded on the island. Savagery versus civilization is first used through the symbols of the conch. Ralph was the first to use the conch to call for others an is later elected learned because what he did. During the first meeting Ralph says “I'll give the conch to the next person to speak…. he won't be interrupted”. This represents civilization because Ralph allows all the boys to speak their mind and share ideas. No matter the age each boy is allowed to speak and be heard without interruption by all other boys. …show more content…
This shows the boys more savage ways starting to show and their civil side begin to disappear. At the start of the book Jack wouldn't have hit anyone but now he goes after piggy because he is weak and jack despises him. This was the first true violence between the boys in the island which really sparked the savage inside each of them. Ralph tries to keep everyone civil but things get way out of control, the boys separated and even start a tribe led by Jack. Jack leads the boys in hunting but it is hard for them to kill because they feel bad. This leads to them putting on face paint on to hide their identities. They soon become more like savages and Ralph losses all civil control. Jack's tribe is now more like Indians from hundreds of years ago and now they are even worshipping the beast. They are now trying to take over the island under the rule of the lord of flies. Piggy and Simon both die at the end and Ralph is now being hunted by Jack's tribe. This shows how just one small thing such as face paint can change attitudes and