Rules of Society in The Lord of The Flies

William Golding's novel, The Lord of the Flies, explores the theme of rules and their significance in maintaining order in society. Set on a deserted island, a group of young boys are left to govern themselves, leading to the breakdown of their civilized behavior. This essay will delve into the various rules that emerge in the novel, analyze their effects on the boys' behavior, and ultimately demonstrate the importance of rules in preserving societal order. Through an examination of the keyword "rules" in the text, it becomes evident that without these regulations, chaos and savagery prevail.

Breaking the Rules: The Descent into Savagery

At the beginning of the novel, the boys establish rules to maintain order and ensure their survival. Ralph, the elected leader, suggests creating a signal fire to increase their chances of being rescued. This fire, however, is allowed to extinguish due to the boys' negligence and irresponsibility. As a result, a ship passes by the island without noticing them, symbolizing the potential consequences of disregarding established rules. The keyword "rules" is mentioned multiple times in this context, emphasizing the significance of adhering to these regulations.

Moreover, the boys' gradual descent into savagery is evident when they break the rule of not killing living creatures. Initially, they adhere to this rule and refrain from harming the wild boars on the island. However, as their fear and hunger grow, they succumb to their primal instincts and kill a mother pig. This act of violence marks a turning point in the novel, as the boys' disregard for the rule against killing leads to the brutal murder of Simon and ultimately the chaos that engulfs the island.

Furthermore, the keyword "rules" is mentioned when the boys form their own society and establish the conch as a symbol of authority. The conch represents the democratic system they create, where only the person holding the conch has the right to speak. This rule ensures that everyone has a voice and prevents any individual from dominating the group. However, as the boys become more savage, they gradually ignore this rule and begin to interrupt and disregard each other's opinions, illustrating the breakdown of their society.

The Implications of Rule-Breaking

The consequences of breaking the rules are profound in The Lord of the Flies. The absence of rules leads to anarchy, violence, and the loss of rationality. As the boys become more disconnected from their previous civilization, they engage in acts of brutality and savagery. The keyword "rules" serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining order and following societal regulations.

Additionally, the breakdown of rules exposes the boys' inherent capacity for evil. Without the constraints of society, they succumb to their primal instincts, becoming ruthless and barbaric. The keyword "rules" highlights the contrast between the boys' initial innocence and their eventual descent into savagery.

The Significance of Rules in Preserving Order

The novel demonstrates that rules are essential for maintaining order and preventing the disintegration of society. They provide structure, establish boundaries, and ensure the fair distribution of power. The keyword "rules" emphasizes the need for regulations to prevent chaos and preserve civilization.

Furthermore, rules serve as a moral compass, guiding individuals towards ethical behavior. In the absence of rules, the boys lose their sense of right and wrong, leading to acts of violence and cruelty. The keyword "rules" underscores the importance of these regulations in guiding individuals towards moral conduct.

Conclusion

The Lord of the Flies highlights the critical role of rules in maintaining order and civilization. The keyword "rules" appears throughout the text, reminding readers of their significance. As the boys on the island break these rules, chaos and savagery prevail, illustrating the destructive consequences of disregarding societal regulations. This novel serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of rules in preserving order and preventing the descent into darkness. It prompts readers to reflect on the fragility of society and the necessity of adhering to established rules to ensure a harmonious and civilized existence.

Bibliography:

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