Loss of Innocence Represented in Lord of The Flies

William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, explores the theme of loss of innocence. Set on a deserted island, a group of young boys find themselves isolated from civilization and the rules that govern society. As they struggle to survive, their primitive instincts and innate savagery begin to emerge. This essay will analyze the various instances of loss of innocence in the novel and discuss their implications. Through an examination of the characters, the deterioration of order, and the symbolism of the beast, it becomes evident that Golding effectively portrays the loss of innocence as a result of the boys' descent into savagery.

Character Analysis

One of the most prominent examples of loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies is seen through the character of Jack. Initially, Jack is presented as a choirboy with a sense of responsibility and order. However, as the novel progresses, his desire for power and dominance overtake his moral compass. This is evident when he becomes obsessed with hunting and killing pigs, ultimately leading to the murder of Simon. Jack's transformation from a civilized young boy to a savage leader highlights the loss of innocence as a consequence of the boys' isolation.

Furthermore, the character of Roger also exemplifies the loss of innocence in the novel. In the beginning, Roger is portrayed as a timid and obedient boy. However, as the boys become more accustomed to their savage surroundings, Roger's true nature emerges. He becomes increasingly cruel and sadistic, deriving pleasure from causing pain to others. His transformation reflects the loss of innocence as the boys' primal instincts take over, leading to the breakdown of order and morality.

Deterioration of Order

As the boys struggle to maintain order and civilization on the island, their efforts gradually deteriorate, leading to the loss of innocence. In the beginning, they attempt to establish rules and assign responsibilities, mirroring the structure of the society they left behind. However, as their fear and desperation grow, they become more susceptible to the influence of their primitive instincts. The conch, which initially symbolizes order and democracy, loses its power and authority as the boys descend into chaos. The breakdown of order illustrates the loss of innocence as the boys succumb to their savage impulses.

Moreover, the gradual deterioration of the boys' appearance and behavior further signifies their loss of innocence. Initially, they maintain their civilized appearances and adhere to societal norms. However, as their time on the island progresses, their physical appearances become more disheveled and their behavior becomes increasingly brutal. Their transformation from innocent children to savage creatures emphasizes the loss of innocence as a result of their isolation and the absence of societal constraints.

Symbolism of the Beast

The symbolism of the beast in Lord of the Flies is a significant representation of the loss of innocence. At first, the boys' fear of the beast is abstract and they create a mythical creature in their minds. However, as their fear intensifies, the beast becomes a tangible threat, personifying their own inner savagery. The beast represents the loss of innocence as the boys' primal instincts and savagery consume them, blurring the line between civilized behavior and barbarism. The realization that the true beast lies within themselves further emphasizes their loss of innocence.

In conclusion, William Golding's Lord of the Flies depicts the loss of innocence through various means, including character analysis, the deterioration of order, and the symbolism of the beast. The transformation of characters like Jack and Roger, the breakdown of order on the island, and the symbolism of the beast all contribute to the portrayal of loss of innocence. Golding effectively conveys the message that when removed from civilization and left to their own devices, human nature tends towards savagery. The loss of innocence depicted in Lord of the Flies serves as a cautionary tale about the precarious nature of humanity's moral compass and the fragility of civilization.

Bibliography

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Faber and Faber, 1954.