Tools of Destruction In its entirety, mankind is a barbaric, uncivilized species; taught to fight against the darkest parts of themselves during adolescence and expected by society to uphold these morals as adult. William Golding seeks to understand human nature and its inclination towards the deepest and darkest desires that every man possess in his novel Lord of the Flies. After a heartbreaking plane crash on an island in the Pacific, a group of twelve carefree boys are forced to fend for themselves in order to survive. As their stay becomes more permanent, the more predominant their desires become; ultimately, this leads to death and the destruction of what little civilization they are able to sustain on their own. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies demonstrates that when man is consumed by jealousy and cruelty, it will…show more content… Due to man’s instinctive tendencies, jealousy triumphs over any rational thought or action; envy consumes to the point of destruction. The “chief” is a symbol of power and strength within the community and only one person can be entrusted with the responsibility that comes with power. As the first assembly on the island commences, Ralph is automatically authorized as the community’s “chief” or leader. Most of the boys side with Ralph, and Jack feels betrayed, “Even the choir applauded; and the freckles on Jack’s face disappeared under a blush of mortification” (Golding 23). The members of the choir, who are supposed to be Jack’s main group of followers, begrudgingly votes for Jack in the end. The choir’s hesitation leads to the formation of Jack’s contempt towards Ralph, and the first signs of destruction in their society. The tension between Ralph and Jack represents man’s relation to those with power and those who are second in command. The man that is in second place constantly strives for power but his coworkers turn against him and appoint