Moral Lessons from Lord of The Flies: an Exploration

Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, is a novel that really makes you think about human nature's darker side. It's set on a deserted island where a bunch of young boys are left to their own devices after a plane crash. And as they're stuck there, away from everything they know, their fear and isolation just push them toward chaos. In this essay, we'll dig into the moral lessons that pop out in Lord of the Flies. We'll talk about what happens when power goes unchecked, how fragile civilization can be, and why keeping up moral values matters, even when things get tough.

Lessons Taught by Lord of the Flies: An Exploration of Moral Lessons

Unchecked Power: The Corrosive Effects

One major lesson in Lord of the Flies? Unchecked power can wreck everything. The story starts with these kids trying to run things democratically, but it all spirals into chaos and brutality. Jack is one character who starts off seeming like he might be a good leader. But then, he gets obsessed with power and control. When he forms his own tribe and leads by fear and violence, it's clear what Golding wants us to see—power without checks or empathy tears society apart.

Then there's Roger. At first, he's sticking to society's rules. But as time goes on and isolation sets in, he turns pretty sadistic. Remember when he kills Piggy by rolling a boulder onto him? That moment screams how unchecked power twists morality.

The Fragility of Civilization: The Thin Veil

Lord of the Flies also shows us how easily civilization can crumble under pressure from our basic instincts. At first, the island seems like a mini-society where the boys try to keep order. But as fear takes over, they start ditching societal norms.

The conch shell is a great symbol here—it represents order and democracy initially. When someone holds it, they get to speak. But as things get wild and savage, its significance fades away. This decline shows just how delicate civilization really is when primal instincts start running the show.

Maintaining Moral Values: The Importance of Humanity

Even amid all this craziness and darkness, Lord of the Flies tells us not to lose sight of our moral values. Ralph stands out as someone who tries to uphold fairness and justice throughout everything. He faces loads of challenges but sticks to his principles instead of giving in to power's temptation.

Simon also exemplifies this idea—he's got this innate goodness about him. He's kind of spiritual too—a voice of reason when chaos erupts around them all. Simon reminds us why holding onto humanity matters most during dire situations.

Conclusion

Lord of the Flies teaches some powerful moral lessons that stick with readers long after finishing it up—about unchecked power being corrupting; how fragile societal structures are; why maintaining those core morals counts even against adversity itself! By weaving these lessons seamlessly through its narrative fabric (that’s some clever writing), Golding makes us pause for thought about our own capacity for good versus evil—and ultimately encourages striving toward compassion & justice within ourselves.

Bibliography

• Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Penguin Books, 1954.
• Baker, James R., ed. "Golding's Lord Of The Flies." Critical Insights: Lord Of The Flies (2010): 58-70.
• Kinkead-Weekes, Mark & Ian Gregor.The Novels Of William Golding.(2007):20-27.
• Tally Jr., Robert T.""The Topography Of Evil": Nature And Myth In William Golding’s 'Lord Of The Fly'", Essays In Criticism,(2014):34-47.
• Cox Sharon.(1990).William goldings' ‘lord flys':study guide,Nelson thornes ltd:(76-84).