The two writings, On the State of Nature by Thomas Hobbes, and Lord of the Flies by William Golding are two very intellectual ways of thinking. The two writings have some different viewpoints and understandings. Although there are some differences between both writings, the basis of their writings are focused around the idea that politics, and laws are formed from a social contract.
Social contracts are a form of government when no government is officially appointed, leaving the decision of who should be in power up to the people. Thomas Hobbes stated, “Hereby it is manifest, that during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such war, as is of every man, against every man.” (Hobbes 42). Thomas Hobbes is stating that when a group of people does not have a social contract that is agreed upon, you are at war with each other. This quote by Thomas Hobbes can easily be compared to the Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
Lord of the Flies begins initially with their social contract. Boys aged from six to twelve find themselves on an island with no official leadership and no adults. The boys are forced to create their own laws and ways to survive. When someone is holding the white conch, they are now the leader. William Golding stated, …show more content…
Once Piggy finally gained the group’s attention he shouted, “Which is better- to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill.” (Golding 23). As stated above, Piggy had possession of the conch which is supposed to give that specific person power. Although piggy had the conch, Ralph felt that his voice needed to be heard and shouted even louder, “Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?” (Golding 23). They continued to go back and forth, Piggy yelling, Jack yelling, and Ralph all yelling at the same time, despite Piggy being the only member with a
Social contracts are a form of government when no government is officially appointed, leaving the decision of who should be in power up to the people. Thomas Hobbes stated, “Hereby it is manifest, that during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such war, as is of every man, against every man.” (Hobbes 42). Thomas Hobbes is stating that when a group of people does not have a social contract that is agreed upon, you are at war with each other. This quote by Thomas Hobbes can easily be compared to the Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
Lord of the Flies begins initially with their social contract. Boys aged from six to twelve find themselves on an island with no official leadership and no adults. The boys are forced to create their own laws and ways to survive. When someone is holding the white conch, they are now the leader. William Golding stated, …show more content…
Once Piggy finally gained the group’s attention he shouted, “Which is better- to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill.” (Golding 23). As stated above, Piggy had possession of the conch which is supposed to give that specific person power. Although piggy had the conch, Ralph felt that his voice needed to be heard and shouted even louder, “Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?” (Golding 23). They continued to go back and forth, Piggy yelling, Jack yelling, and Ralph all yelling at the same time, despite Piggy being the only member with a