The Cannibalism of Humanity in Lord of The Flies

William Golding’s novel, "Lord of the Flies," presents a stark exploration of the darker aspects of human nature through the lens of childhood innocence turned savage. As a group of boys find themselves stranded on an uninhabited island, their descent into barbarism serves as a powerful allegory for the inherent evil that lurks within humanity. This essay delves into the theme of cannibalism—not in the literal sense but as a metaphor for the loss of civility, moral decay, and the erosion of societal norms.

The Fall from Innocence

The initial circumstances in "Lord of the Flies" offer a glimpse into childhood innocence and camaraderie. When Ralph and Piggy gather other boys on the island, there is an initial sense of hope and unity. The boys establish rules and elect Ralph as their leader with dreams of civilization and rescue. However, this temporary semblance of order quickly deteriorates as fear takes root among them.

As they confront their fears—particularly fear of a supposed “beast”—the boys begin to turn against one another. The loss of their innocence is marked by their growing obsession with power and primal instincts. This transition is vividly illustrated when Jack challenges Ralph’s authority, emphasizing dominance over cooperation. Herein lies an early indication that beneath their civilized veneer exists an undercurrent ready to erupt into chaos.

The Emergence of Savagery

Golding employs various symbols throughout "Lord of the Flies" to illustrate humanity's descent into savagery. One notable symbol is **the conch shell**, which represents order, authority, and democratic governance at first. As Jack gains power and influence among his peers, he begins to dismiss its significance; this reflects how quickly societal structures can crumble when faced with primal instincts.

• The Conch Shell: Represents law and order; its destruction signifies total collapse.
• The Beast: A manifestation of inner fears; symbolizes man's inherent evil.
• Pig's Head (The Lord of the Flies): Represents decay; serves as a physical embodiment of savagery.

These symbols highlight how fear can distort morality, leading individuals toward cannibalistic tendencies—not just in terms of physical violence but also in consuming each other's humanity through betrayal and cruelty.

Moral Decay Through Violence

A pivotal moment illustrating this descent occurs during Simon's death—a tragic consequence born from hysteria rather than intention. Mistaken for the beast during a frenzied dance initiated by Jack’s tribe, Simon becomes victimized by his peers’ primal instinct to kill rather than save him. This scene encapsulates not only moral decay but also illustrates how groupthink can obliterate individual conscience.

Simon's death marks a point where humanity's darkness surfaces completely: no longer are they just hunting for survival or fun; they have embraced violence as an expression of power over one another—a form of cannibalism that consumes both body and soul.

The Climax: Cannibalism as Metaphor

The ultimate act that embodies this metaphorical cannibalism occurs when Ralph becomes hunted prey himself—reduced to nothing more than an animal chased by those who were once his friends. The violent frenzy culminates in a complete rejection not only of societal norms but also moral standards altogether. By this point in Golding’s narrative, it becomes clear that humanity has devoured itself whole through blind allegiance to tribal instincts over reasoned thought.

This transformation illustrates Golding's grim perspective on human nature—the idea that beneath our civilized exterior lies an innate capacity for brutality waiting for any opportunity to emerge once structures break down.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Humanity

"Lord of the Flies" serves as both cautionary tale and psychological exploration regarding civilization's fragility amid chaos. It poses profound questions about what it means to be human: Are we inherently good or evil? How thin is society’s veneer? In depicting children's regression into savagery—a form akin to cannibalism—Golding compels readers to confront uncomfortable truths about our natures.

This narrative ultimately suggests that while civilization strives toward progress and enlightenment, it remains perpetually at risk from mankind's darker inclinations simmering just below the surface—a reminder that perhaps we are always teetering on edge between civilization and savagery.

References

• Golding, William. "Lord Of The Flies." Faber & Faber Limited, 1954.
• Kirszner, Laurie G., & Mandell Stephen R., "Literature: Reading Fiction." Cengage Learning; 9th edition (2016).
• Snyder-Mackler et al., "Psychology." Pearson Higher Ed; 4th edition (2015).