In Sir William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the author depicts the imperfections of human temperament. Golding illustrates these defects through human children. Without a source of authority, the dark side of human nature is unsuppressed by rules, morals and structure, enabling society to retrograde to primordial instincts. Golding highlights this deterioration with complex symbolism consistently throughout the novel. As observed in the novel, witch lack of positive influence, the children become less civil. Golding describes the theme as ”…an attempt to trace the defects of society back to the defects of human nature.” In chapter 4, Jack begins to paint his face; “He [Jack]… no longer looked at himself but an awesome stranger… Jack hid [behind the mask] liberated from shame and self consciousness.” (Golding 64) Behind the mask, Jack finally comes to the revelation that he is no longer pressed by society. He discards decorum and passes all future heinous acts onto this ‘stranger’, making the official plunge into savagery.
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The moral is described that “…the shape of a society must depend on the ethical nature of the individual and not on any political system however apparently logical or respectable.” (Epstein 204) In the first three chapters, Ralph’s morals are established as primarily revolving around ones acquired as a child, such as respect and putting others first. In chapter 4, Ralph presses his morals; “There was a ship. Out there. You said you’d keep the fire going and you let it go out! They might have seen us. We might have gone home- You and your blood, Jack Merridew! You and your hunting! We might have gone home!” (Golding 70) In this passage Ralph expresses to maintain responsibility in his morals. He tries to take the role of the authoritative figure, scolding the hunters and Jack. Ralph’s role deteriorates as the novel continues. Along with that this general sense of moral is
The moral is described that “…the shape of a society must depend on the ethical nature of the individual and not on any political system however apparently logical or respectable.” (Epstein 204) In the first three chapters, Ralph’s morals are established as primarily revolving around ones acquired as a child, such as respect and putting others first. In chapter 4, Ralph presses his morals; “There was a ship. Out there. You said you’d keep the fire going and you let it go out! They might have seen us. We might have gone home- You and your blood, Jack Merridew! You and your hunting! We might have gone home!” (Golding 70) In this passage Ralph expresses to maintain responsibility in his morals. He tries to take the role of the authoritative figure, scolding the hunters and Jack. Ralph’s role deteriorates as the novel continues. Along with that this general sense of moral is