Lord of the Flies: Exploring the Roots of Aggression There are people in this world who like to play the game of violence. This can result in many things, such as death and chaos, or complete destruction. However, there is a question that always revolves around everybody’s minds: What was the root of the aggression? In other words, what causes this type of violence? These questions and more are explored in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. Golding tells the story of a group of boys that become stranded on an island after a plane crash lands during a fictional war. Throughout the novel, the boys begin as naive and innocent, only to end up like savages. Deaths do occur and there are many acts of violence. The question of “why” still…show more content… Pam Shipman, a psychologist. She says that humans are naturally social animals and that when isolated, become animalistic and begin to have primal instincts. Once again, this theory is seen numerous times in the novel. When Simon is being killed, the boys suddenly become animals, “At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore. There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.” (153). Because the boys have been isolated from normal society for so long, their brains have become fried and they are beginning to become crazy. Shipman’s theory now comes into play as they have not been social with anyone in the outside world. This can cause serious consequences and ultimately, death. Also, when Ralph is hiding alone after Piggy’s death, Jack and Roger try and look for him and are surprised when he comes out and attacks them, “Ralph launched himself like a cat; stabbed, snarling, with the spear, and the savage doubled up.” (195). Having been alone for so long, Ralph becomes crazy and is completely different from the innocent boy he used to be. This is all because of isolation from a normal society. Shipman’s theory applies to Lord of the Flies in many different ways as the boy’s being kept from mankind turns them into