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Selfishness In Lord Of The Flies Research Paper

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“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness” (“Martin Luther”). In Lord of the Flies by William Golding a group of young British boys crash land on an isolated island. With no adults they try to dictate themselves, and it doesn’t go well. While trying to survive on the island they demonstrate the selfishness the dooms our society. Love brings firmness and hope to society, but with selfishness comes destruction and devastation. As followers... The little ‘uns demonstrated the selfishness the steered the boys away from any development or hope. To try and keep things in order on the island all of the boys, including the little ‘uns, were given a task to keep up with. …show more content…

Although Ralph seemed to be a leader but he never really took control of his power and authority as leader. From the outside Ralph was good looking and seemed to be the best candidate as a leader. But soon after he began to show that he may not have been the best choice for leader, he gave up very easily. Ralph decided that he wanted to build a fire on the island that would double as a smoke signal. He assigned Jack and his hunters to keep the fire going and they failed to do it. The little ‘uns also failed to help build huts. All Ralph did was stand by and let them do it. Ralph was even ready to give up his power all because Jack was breaking the rules. “‘I ought to give up being chief. Hear ‘em”’ (93). Along with giving up easily Ralph also doesn’t like to take advice from others. Piggy an intelligent and not so good looking boy who gave a lot of advise to Ralph. Ralph didn’t listen to him partly because of his larger apperence but mostly because he was to selfish to. After Jack and his hunters left Ralph’s leadership Ralph was prepared to fight Jack to get his followers back. Piggy knew that this wasn’t going to end well and tried to convince Ralph to just go back to their side of the island. “‘ Come away. There’s going to be trouble. And we’ve had our meat”’ (151). In the end, Piggy was right and Ralph not listening to him unfortunately killed him. With no leader to lead society stands still, and devastation begin to take

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