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Peer Pressure Lord Of The Flies Persuasive Essay

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If Only Peer Pressure Was Just a Phrase Picture an individual as just that; now picture said person inside of a group. More often than not, there is a difference. In the novel Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, this issue is explored with intriguing results. That is, people in groups behave differently than as individuals. As an individual, one is free to express oneself and secure in the acceptance of one’s self. People, acting by themselves, choose to do what they prefer without any thought of what others would think of them. This can not be said about groups. There is always an uncertainty of acceptance, thus a change, no matter how miniscule, of one’s personality and possibly even their behavior. Versus an individual choice, one in a group may decide otherwise, or contemplate what the others of the group would think of them if they did choose what they want. Simon was the perfect example. He knew who he was as an individual, but when it came to being in the group, he changed completely. He was smart and free by himself, even courageous in exploring the island alone at night. But in a group, he was aloof and could never express himself in action or word. …show more content…

Inside of groups, there is always a pressure to prove oneself as an individual. For example, Jack was a stable character. He was strong, very smart, and knew what he wanted, what should be done, and how he felt. Then he got caught up with hunting and killing a pig after his mortification with the group’s first encounter with one. He wanted to be perceived by others as he saw himself; that he was no coward and he could kill a pig if he wanted to. Jack was changed being in the group, no longer feeling as secure of himself as he did when it was just him, causing him to lash out and act in a way he normally wouldn’t

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