Morality in Lord of The Flies

Morality is a concept that has fascinated philosophers, theologians, and writers for centuries. The exploration of morality is a central theme in William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies. Set on a deserted island, the novel follows a group of boys as they attempt to govern themselves without the constraints of civilization. As the boys struggle to maintain order and morality, they descend into savagery, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of morality and human behavior. In this essay, I will explore the theme of morality in Lord of the Flies, examining how the boys' descent into savagery reflects the fragility of morality in the absence of societal norms.

The boys' gradual descent into savagery serves as a powerful commentary on the fragility of morality. At the outset of the novel, the boys attempt to establish a system of rules and order, electing Ralph as their leader and establishing the conch as a symbol of authority. However, as the novel progresses, the boys' adherence to these rules begins to wane, and they become increasingly cruel and violent. For example, the character of Jack, who initially respects the rules of the island, becomes increasingly obsessed with hunting and power, ultimately leading a group of boys in a brutal hunt to kill Ralph. This shift from order to chaos highlights the delicate balance between civilization and savagery, and the ease with which morality can be eroded in the absence of societal norms.

One of the key factors contributing to the boys' descent into savagery is the influence of fear and power. Throughout the novel, the boys are haunted by the fear of the unknown, and this fear ultimately drives them to abandon their moral principles. For example, when the boys mistake a dead parachutist for a beast, their fear leads them to engage in violent and irrational behavior, culminating in the murder of Simon. Additionally, the struggle for power between Ralph and Jack further exacerbates the boys' descent into savagery, as they become increasingly willing to sacrifice their moral principles in order to maintain control. This exploration of fear and power serves as a poignant reminder of the ways in which external forces can undermine morality and lead individuals to abandon their principles in pursuit of power and self-preservation.

Furthermore, the novel's exploration of morality raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of human behavior and the role of societal norms in shaping moral conduct. Throughout the novel, the boys struggle with their innate impulses and desires, ultimately succumbing to their basest instincts in the absence of societal constraints. This raises important questions about the extent to which morality is an innate aspect of human nature, or whether it is a product of societal conditioning. The boys' descent into savagery suggests that without the influence of societal norms, individuals are prone to succumb to their primal instincts, raising troubling questions about the fragility of morality in the absence of external constraints.

In conclusion, the theme of morality in Lord of the Flies serves as a powerful commentary on the fragility of morality and the ways in which external forces can erode moral conduct. The boys' descent into savagery highlights the delicate balance between civilization and savagery, and the ease with which morality can be undermined in the absence of societal norms. Additionally, the novel's exploration of fear and power raises important questions about the nature of human behavior and the role of societal conditioning in shaping moral conduct. Ultimately, Lord of the Flies serves as a compelling exploration of the ways in which morality can be eroded in the absence of societal norms, and the implications of this erosion for human behavior.