Roger: Lord of The Flies Character Analysis

Throughout the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the character of Roger undergoes a profound transformation, transitioning from a mild-mannered boy to a sadistic and violent individual. This essay aims to analyze Roger's character development, exploring the factors that contribute to his descent into savagery and the implications of his actions. By examining Roger's behavior, interactions with other characters, and symbolic significance, it becomes evident that he represents the dark side of human nature and embodies the inherent evil within society.

Topic Sentence: Roger's initial behavior is characterized by a sense of restraint and obedience, masking his true nature.

At the beginning of the novel, Roger is introduced as a quiet and shy boy, often described as "a slight, furtive boy whom no one knew, who kept to himself with an inner intensity of avoidance and secrecy." His unassuming nature is exemplified by his hesitancy to throw stones at Henry, a younger boy, out of fear of punishment. This reluctance to harm others suggests that Roger possesses a moral conscience and a respect for the rules of society.

However, as the story progresses, Roger's behavior begins to change, reflecting the disintegration of social order on the island. Golding describes Roger's transformation, stating that "there was a space around Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life." This passage alludes to the restraints imposed by civilization, preventing Roger from fully embracing his dark desires.

Topic Sentence: Roger's descent into savagery is facilitated by the absence of societal norms and the influence of other characters.

As the boys on the island descend into chaos and abandon the rules of civilization, Roger's inner sadism begins to manifest itself more prominently. In the absence of consequences, he feels liberated and empowered to act on his violent impulses. This is evident in the scene where Roger deliberately throws rocks at the twins, Samneric, as they gather firewood. Golding describes this act as follows: "Roger gathered a handful of stones and began to throw them. Yet there was a space round Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life."

Furthermore, Roger's transformation is also influenced by the character of Jack, who embodies the natural inclination towards savagery. Jack's influence over Roger is evident when he says, "Roger's arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins." This statement suggests that Jack's leadership and disregard for societal norms have corrupted Roger, leading him further down the path of savagery.

Topic Sentence: Roger's actions have symbolic significance, representing the destructive power of unchecked human nature.

Throughout the novel, Roger's increasingly sadistic behavior serves as a symbol for the inherent evil within society. As he becomes more violent, his actions mirror the chaos and destruction that ensue on the island. This is exemplified in the scene where Roger kills Piggy by intentionally pushing a boulder onto him. The act of killing Piggy represents the complete breakdown of order and the triumph of evil over reason and morality.

Moreover, Roger's actions also reflect the loss of innocence experienced by the boys on the island. As he becomes more savage, his behavior mirrors that of the hunters, who have embraced their primal instincts. This loss of innocence is highlighted by Golding's description of Roger's transformation: "Roger's arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins. When they finally caught and killed a pig, they celebrated with a wild dance, a manifestation of their descent into savagery."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roger's character in Lord of the Flies undergoes a dramatic transformation, transitioning from a restrained and obedient boy to a sadistic and violent individual. His descent into savagery is facilitated by the absence of societal norms and the influence of other characters, particularly Jack. Roger's actions have symbolic significance, representing the destructive power of unchecked human nature and the loss of innocence. Through the character of Roger, Golding explores the dark side of human nature and highlights the inherent evil within society. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of maintaining order and morality in the face of adversity.

Bibliography

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