Evil In Lord Of The Flies Essay

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The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding is a thorough analyzation of human evil depicted by a group of British schoolboys whose primal instincts soon unleash themselves. Golding creates a slow build-up into the collapse of society to demonstrate the horrors of mankind and the result of separation from civilization. The novel is an examination of human evil that moves beyond the borders of civilization. Golding investigates the justifications and embodiments of evil in human nature, later concluding that evil is innate. Once marooned on the island, it becomes evident that each character is a symbol for roles in society. Ralph, the symbol of government and law, is an example of a balance of both good and evil. Jack, on the other hand, is…show more content…
Piggy, who almost shows no level of savagery, is the stark contrast to Roger, who unleashes his sadistic side with little hesitation. At first, Roger is held back by the "taboo of the old life" (14). Later, however, his true nature is released. Golding implies that human instinct pertains to savagery to a much greater extent than the instinct of civilization. When left without the constraints of civilization, the human psyche will inevitably resort to barbarism. This, apparently, is because moral behavior is a restraint brought on by civilization, and the true nature of humans is comprised of an innate evil. The idea of innate evil is also represented by the Lord of the Flies himself when he says, “I’m warning you. I’m going to get angry. D’you see? You’re not wanted. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island! So don’t try it on, my poor misguided boy, or else–” (345). The Lord of the Flies uses the word “fun” to describe their desires and wants that they can now indulge in without any regard towards the rules of society. This further supports the theme of innate evil by describing the cruelty and immorality that they all possess underneath the layers of
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