Civilization And Savagery In William Golding's Lord Of The Flies

The world runs on rules and boundaries without these key elements the world turns to chaos. Without restraints we become savage and commit immoral acts thinking its normal. William Golding 's Lord of the Flies (LOTF) explores key themes of civilisation verses savagery and loss of innocence which are effectively represented throughout the novel, contributing to the timelessness of LOTF as a text.

The main concern of LOTF is the conflict between two competing impulses that exist within all human beings: the instinct to live by rules, follow morals and act peacefully. The conflict between these two instincts is the driving force of the novel, explored through the young English boys who were originally civilised and morally disciplined, became savages as the result of lack of adult supervision and authority. LOTF is an allegorical novel, which means that Golding conveys many of his ideas and themes through symbolic characters and objects. He represents the conflict between the two main characters: Ralph, the protagonist, who represents leadership and order, and Jack, the antagonist, who represents savagery and the desire for power. As the novel progresses, Golding shows how different people feel the influences of the instincts of civilisation verses savagery to different degrees. Piggy, for instance, has no savage feelings, while Roger seems barely capable of comprehending the rules of civilisation. Golding complies that the instinct of savagery is for more fundamental to the