HUMAN NATURE IN LORD OF THE FLIES
HUMAN NATURE IN LORD OF THE FLIESWilliam Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” is a novel, which shows both the good and bad sides of human nature. These sides are shown through the many conflicts, which occur during the story. Firstly, there are the minor conflicts, eg the starting conflicts between Jack and Ralph, which was mainly due to their rivalry. However, these minor conflicts led to brutal violence and even death. Apart from violence, conflict played a role at another level. The boys’ conflict about their ethics and the “beast” was evident throughout the novel. In fact, the “beast” was really the boys’ inner evilness, and was not a creature. Thus, throughout the novel conflict plays at different levels.
Minor conflicts occur very often in “Lord of the Flies”. Despite seeming trivial at first, these small conflicts build up which lead to the barbarous havoc the boys create. The very first conflict in the novel is that of Piggy’s name. Piggy tries to introduce himself to Ralph, but Ralph takes no notice. It is only when Piggy tells him of his nickname that Ralph takes notice, and he starts to mock Piggy. After the conch is blown, and children assemble, Jack calls Piggy “Fatty”. Ralph is quick to point out that his name is not Fatty, but Piggy. Everyone laughs and begin to chant his name, and Piggy becomes hurt. It is through this small conflict that Piggy becomes a target for the others, to taunt and hurt, due to his name and physical appearance. This event shows the beginnings of social breakdown, and shows that conflict has already started, even before the plot has started.
One more example of minor conflict is the argument between Jack and Ralph over their work. Jack decides to go out hunting, but forgets about the signal fire, which burns out. While Jack is hunting, Ralph sees a ship in the horizon, and quickly looks at the signal fire. After finding that there is no signal fire, Ralph becomes extremely annoyed, and argues with Jack at his return. Jack does not...
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