“Lord of the Flies” begins in England during the Second World War with pupils from a male primary school being evacuated to a safer location due to enemy bombing. The plane on which they were being evacuated supposedly got hit by a missile and crashed on an uninhabited island. The pilot didn’t survive the crash, which left the group of about 30 kids between the ages of 6 and 12 without any grown-ups to tell them what to do. Out of the group emerged two leader figures: Ralph and Jack. Ralph represents the good of mankind, civilization, empathy, and Jack represents the bad, violence, and the constant desire for power. When all the boys are gathered, they decide they need a leader and elect Ralph over Jack.
Emergence of Leadership
Ralph’s first act as leader is to explore the island together with Jack and Simon. This initial expedition is crucial as it establishes Ralph’s leadership and highlights the boys’ initial cooperation. Theories on leadership, such as those proposed by Max Weber on charismatic authority, suggest that leaders often emerge in times of crisis due to their ability to inspire and mobilize others. Ralph’s election is an example of Weber’s theory, as he is chosen for his perceived rational and charismatic qualities.
Symbolism of the Fire
After the expedition, Ralph decides that a fire should be lit on the island to get the attention of any passing ships, which is every little boy’s dream to start a large fire. However, they weren’t paying much attention to keeping the flames in control, which led to a major forest fire from which one kid never returned. The fire symbolizes hope and rescue but also destruction, reflecting the duality of human nature. The fire’s dual symbolism can be linked to Sigmund Freud’s theory of the id, ego, and superego. The id’s primal urges for power and pleasure (represented by Jack’s group) clash with the ego’s rationality and the superego’s morality (represented by Ralph’s group), leading to chaos.
Conflict and Division
The boys, who at first glance preferred the somewhat responsible Ralph, were quite enjoying life on the island and liked the idea of having no responsibilities. Ralph kept telling the other boys that something should be done, like finding or making shelter and keeping the signal fire burning, but the hunters, whose responsibility it was to keep the fire burning, didn’t feel the need to do that, which resulted in the fire being off when a ship passed by the island. This scenario underscores the conflict between individual desires and collective responsibilities, resonating with Thomas Hobbes’ theory of the social contract. Hobbes argued that in the absence of societal structures, humans revert to a state of nature characterized by selfishness and conflict.
Jack’s Ascendancy
When Jack fails in trying to convince the others into voting Ralph out of his position, he angrily goes away and tells his hunters to follow him. Ralph wants to keep the fire burning but now on the beach, but more and more boys are choosing Jack’s side. Jack’s ascent to power through fear and violence can be analyzed through Machiavelli’s political theory, which posits that it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved if he cannot be both. Jack’s leadership style is Machiavellian, focusing on power and control rather than the common good.
Descent into Savagery
Eventually, the conflict between Jack and Ralph escalates to the point of physical confrontation, and Ralph goes into hiding while Jack and his group hunt him like he’s part of the wildlife on the island. This descent into savagery illustrates the thin veneer of civilization and how quickly it can erode in the absence of societal norms and structures. This can be related to William Golding’s own experiences in World War II, which deeply influenced his views on human nature and the potential for brutality inherent in all people.
The Role of Fear and Symbolism
Jack started a huge fire so that Ralph would flee to the beach, only resulting in their rescue because a British military ship spotted the fire. The fire, initially a symbol of hope, becomes a tool of destruction and ultimately salvation. This ironic twist highlights the unpredictability of human actions and the unintended consequences that can arise from them. The conch shell, another significant symbol in the novel, represents order and democratic power, which deteriorates as Jack’s authoritarian regime takes over. The destruction of the conch symbolizes the complete collapse of civilized order on the island.
Conclusion and Rescue
The arrival of the naval officer at the end of the novel brings a sudden and ironic resolution to the boys’ descent into savagery. The officer, representing the return of adult authority and civilization, is shocked by the boys’ transformation. This conclusion forces readers to reflect on the thin line between civilization and savagery and the inherent darkness within human nature. The boys’ rescue does not negate the horrors they have experienced but serves as a stark reminder of the potential for evil that exists within everyone.
Academic Theories and Human Nature
“Lord of the Flies” can be further analyzed through the lens of various academic theories on human nature and societal structures. Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s concept of the “noble savage” suggests that humans are inherently good but corrupted by society, contrasting sharply with Golding’s portrayal of inherent human savagery. Additionally, B.F. Skinner’s behaviorist theories highlight the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior, which is evident in how the boys’ behavior changes in the unregulated environment of the island.
Implications for Modern Society
The themes explored in “Lord of the Flies” remain relevant in contemporary discussions about human nature, leadership, and the structure of society. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization and the ease with which it can be dismantled. It also prompts readers to consider the ethical implications of power, authority, and the responsibilities of leadership in maintaining social order.
In summary, “Lord of the Flies” is a profound exploration of human nature, leadership, and societal dynamics. Through its portrayal of the boys’ descent into savagery, the novel delves into the complexities of civilization and the inherent darkness within humanity. By examining the story through various academic theories, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape human behavior and the delicate balance required to maintain order and morality.