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Savagery In Lord Of The Flies Essay

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“What is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.” James Madison. In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, a group of boys crash-land on an island, and struggle to maintain order as their fragile society begins to crumble around them. As the civilized world fades from the children’s minds, so does the mask that hides the true nature of mankind. Therefore, the respect for inherent savagery is the basis of civilization.
Ralph, Piggy, and Simon take different approaches to cope with the breakdown of civilization. Nevertheless, it is through these different approaches …show more content…

“I got the conch! Just you listen! The first thing we ought to have made was shelters down there by the beach. It wasn’t half cold down there in the night. But the first Ralph says ‘fire’ you goes howling and screaming up this here mountain. Like a pack of kids!” (47; ch. 2)
Symbolizing rescue and connection with civilization, the fire is juxtaposed by Golding’s depiction of how the children build it. Additionally, he uses the words “howling,” “screaming,” and “pack” to associate them with animals. Piggy discovers this frightening truth in human nature and tries to remedy it with a logical framework. However, his unsettlingly realistic ideas are quickly rejected. Therefore, illustrating the insignificance of intellect in their new society, and foreshadowing the string of poor decisions that plunge them deeper into savagery. In contrast, Simon’s interaction with the Lord of the Flies depicts his understanding of the innate savagery in humans. Golding writes,
“Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!” Said the head. For a moment or two the forest and all the other dimly appreciated places echoed with the parody of laughter. “You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are what they are?”
(164; ch.

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