The Presence of Cannibalism in Lord of The Flies Explained

William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" is a profound exploration of human nature, society, and the thin veneer that civilization provides. Among its many themes, the presence of cannibalism serves as a stark illustration of the descent into savagery and the loss of innocence. In this essay, we will examine how Golding uses cannibalism to symbolize the ultimate breakdown of social order and morality among the boys stranded on the island.

The Symbolic Role of Cannibalism

Cannibalism in "Lord of the Flies" is not just an act of consuming flesh; it represents a broader philosophical discourse on human instincts and moral decay. Initially, when Ralph, Piggy, Jack, and others arrive on the island, they are filled with hope for civilization. However, as time progresses and their attempts at establishing order falter, their innate savagery emerges.

The key moment associated with cannibalism occurs in Chapter 9 when Simon meets his tragic end at the hands of his peers during a frenzied dance. The boys mistake him for the "beast," and in their primal state, they kill him without hesitation. This scene marks a crucial turning point in the narrative—the boys' transformation from innocent children to ruthless savages reaches its climax here.

Cannibalism as a Metaphor for Savagery

Golding intricately weaves cannibalism into his narrative to highlight how quickly civilized behavior can unravel under extreme circumstances. The boys’ initial reluctance to engage in violent acts deteriorates rapidly; this reflects Golding's belief that beneath societal norms lies an inherent brutality within humanity.

• Initial Order: At first, Ralph's leadership embodies democratic values—order is maintained through meetings and rules.
• Savagery Emerges: As fear takes hold with stories about “the beast,” Jack capitalizes on this anxiety to usurp power.
• Pivotal Violence: The murder of Simon signifies not only physical violence but also moral obliteration—cannibalism symbolizes complete detachment from morality.

The Loss of Innocence

The theme of cannibalism also plays into Golding’s exploration of innocence lost. When characters such as Ralph and Piggy confront their own capacity for violence during Simon's murder, it becomes evident that they have crossed an irreversible line—a loss that haunts them throughout their ordeal on the island.

This moment serves as a wake-up call; once they partake in such savage acts, there’s no return to innocence or civility. The brutal act illustrates how quickly one can become desensitized to violence when engulfed by fear and chaos—a reflection on human psychology that resonates deeply with readers even today.

Cannibalism Reflects Societal Breakdown

The presence of cannibalistic imagery underscores Golding’s critique of society itself. As civilized structures dissolve under pressure, individuals revert to primal instincts—their actions reflect not just personal choices but societal failures at large. Cannibalism thus becomes emblematic not only of individual degeneration but also a critique on collective humanity's fragility when faced with crisis.

This decline from civilized behavior highlights various psychological theories about humanity's duality—such as Freud's notion that each person harbors both civilizing forces (the superego) alongside primal instincts (the id). Golding demonstrates through his characters' regression that civilization can easily crumble when people are stripped away from its safeguards.

The Final Implications: A Warning Sign

By utilizing cannibalism within "Lord of the Flies," Golding delivers powerful commentary about human nature and societal constructs. The novel serves as both an allegory for childhood innocence lost and a chilling reminder about our potential for brutality without societal constraints. In essence, it warns readers about what could unfold should humanity allow itself to be overtaken by fear-driven savagery instead of reasoned compassion.

In conclusion, "Lord of the Flies" employs cannibalistic elements not merely for shock value but rather as a profound symbol reflecting deeper truths about humanity’s darker impulses lurking beneath surfaces perceived as civilized. This grim portrayal ultimately invites readers to question their understanding of morality amidst chaos while reflecting upon our shared responsibility towards maintaining order within society—an ever-relevant theme in today’s complex world.

References

• Golding, William. "Lord of the Flies." Faber & Faber Limited; Reissue edition (2006).
• Miller, James A., “The Nature Of Evil: Lord Of The Flies”. Journal Of Literature And Arts (2019).
• Lodge, David., “The Novels Of William Golding”. Routledge (1998).