Lord of The Flies Dialectical Journal: The Battle Between Civilization and Savagery

Introduction

In William Golding's iconic novel, Lord of the Flies, the characters are stranded on a deserted island, and their struggle for survival exposes the inherent tension between civilization and savagery. The dialectical journal entries from the novel shed light on this battle, revealing the characters' descent into darkness and their struggle to maintain order. This essay will explore the themes of civilization and savagery as portrayed in Lord of the Flies, examining how the dialectical journal entries highlight this ongoing conflict.

The Erosion of Civilization

The dialectical journal entries in Lord of the Flies demonstrate the gradual erosion of civilization on the island. As the boys struggle to establish a functioning society, their initial attempts at order and organization give way to chaos. For example, in Entry 1, Ralph, the elected leader, tries to instill a sense of responsibility in the boys, stating, "We've got to have rules and obey them" (Golding, 1954). However, as time passes, the boys become increasingly unruly, as shown in Entry 2 when Jack, the antagonist, declares, "We'll hunt and have fun" (Golding, 1954). These entries highlight the boys' descent into savagery and the loss of their civilized values. It becomes evident that the island is a microcosm of the larger world, where the delicate fabric of civilization can quickly unravel.

The Emergence of Savagery

The dialectical journal entries also reveal the emergence of savagery within the boys. As they succumb to their primal instincts, their actions become increasingly violent and cruel. Entry 3 depicts the boys' transformation, with Simon noting, "Maybe there is a beast... maybe it's only us" (Golding, 1954). This realization highlights their shift from seeing the beast as an external threat to recognizing it as a manifestation of their own inner darkness. Entry 4 further emphasizes this change, as Jack exclaims, "Kill the pig! Cut her throat! Spill her blood!" (Golding, 1954). These entries demonstrate the boys' descent into savagery and their abandonment of their civilized selves.

The Conflict Between Ralph and Jack

The dialectical journal entries also highlight the conflict between Ralph, who represents civilization, and Jack, who embodies savagery. Entry 5 reveals Ralph's desperation to maintain order, as he cries out, "What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?" (Golding, 1954). This plea underscores his struggle to preserve their civilized nature amidst the growing chaos. In contrast, Entry 6 showcases Jack's lust for power, as he asserts, "We'll only survive if we hunt and kill" (Golding, 1954). These entries exemplify the clash between the two characters and their opposing ideologies. This conflict serves as a powerful reflection of the broader struggle between order and chaos within society.

The Consequences of Savagery

The dialectical journal entries demonstrate the devastating consequences of succumbing to savagery. Entry 7 reveals the boys' loss of morality, as they brutally murder Simon, mistaking him for the beast (Golding, 1954). Entry 8 further illustrates the destructive nature of their actions, with Ralph reflecting, "I'm frightened. Of us" (Golding, 1954). These entries showcase the boys' realization of the darkness within themselves and the tragic outcomes of their descent into savagery. The island becomes a haunting reminder of the potential for violence and chaos that lurks within all of humanity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lord of the Flies, as depicted through its dialectical journal entries, explores the eternal battle between civilization and savagery. The loss of civilization, the emergence of savagery, the conflict between Ralph and Jack, and the consequences of succumbing to madness are all highlighted in these entries. Through the characters' experiences on the deserted island, Golding masterfully portrays the fragility of civilization and the inherent darkness that resides within human nature. This novel serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining order and the consequences of allowing our primal instincts to prevail. Lord of the Flies continues to captivate readers, prompting them to reflect on the delicate balance between civilization and savagery in their own lives.

Bibliography

Golding, W. (1954). Lord of the Flies. Faber and Faber.