How Does Golding Use Fear In Lord Of The Flies

Fear. Fear is one of the strongest motivators in the world, and it is very prominent in Lord of the Flies. William Golding’s novel explores the scenario of a group of young boys struggling to survive by themselves on an island. Throughout this time, the presence of fear increases, causing changes in the personalities of the characters. At first, the changes are almost insignificant, but eventually we come to see some full changes of personality. Through use of motifs and symbols, as well as a few specific scenes, Golding shows how much fear can change a person. When the amount of fear inside of one single person or a group reaches a very high point, it can drive them to do anything, no matter what kind of person they are.
The fear of the boys drives them to try to survive and cling to civilization as long as they can. Their fear helps keep the fire going to make smoke, their signal. The

Piggy is not a very confrontational character, so when he is shown him fired up and ready to confront Jack after he stole his specs, his motivations aren’t hard to figure out. “You can take spears if you want but I shan’t. What’s the good? I’ll have to be led like a dog anyhow. Yes, laugh. Go on, laugh. There’s them on this island as would laugh at anything. And what happened? What’s grownups goin’ to think? Young Simon was murdered. And there was that other kid that had a mark on his face. Who’s seen him since we first got here?... I got the conch. I’m going to that Jack Merridew an’ tell him, I am.” (171). Even in the face of all the possible scenarios, his lack of seeing-ability, and the pure savagery of Jack and his followers, Piggy does not cower in fear. He takes that fear, and uses it. His fear of never being able to go home is what really overpowers the fear of Jack, and pushes him to face it. While fear like this and the one used for the fire is used for a positive purpose, it is also seen used for a negative