The Timeless Struggle Between Civilization and Savagery in Lord of The Flies

William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" serves as a profound exploration of the inherent conflict between civilization and savagery. Set against the backdrop of a deserted island, the story follows a group of boys who find themselves marooned without adult supervision. Initially, they attempt to establish a society based on order and cooperation. However, as time progresses, their civilized behavior deteriorates, revealing the darker aspects of human nature. This essay delves into the timeless struggle between civilization and savagery in "Lord of the Flies," examining how Golding illustrates this theme through character development, symbols, and plot progression.

The Fragility of Civilization

At the beginning of the novel, Ralph represents civilization's ideals. He is elected leader due to his charisma and focus on building shelters and maintaining a signal fire for rescue. Ralph’s leadership embodies democratic principles and communal responsibility; he prioritizes order over chaos. However, this fragile structure begins to crumble when Jack challenges Ralph's authority.

Jack Merridew epitomizes savagery as he gradually becomes more obsessed with hunting and power rather than rescue or survival. His transformation from choirboy to savage leader highlights how thinly veiled civilized behavior can be when faced with primal instincts. The initial attempts at governance falter as Jack manipulates fear and desire for dominance among the boys.

The Role of Fear

Fear plays a crucial role in escalating the conflict between civilization and savagery throughout "Lord of the Flies." The boys' dread of an imagined beast symbolizes their inner fears—fear not only of physical threats but also fear that lies within themselves. This fear leads them to abandon reasoned decision-making in favor of impulsive actions driven by hysteria.

• The emergence of 'the beast' represents their collective subconscious fears.
• Jack uses fear to control others—promising safety while simultaneously creating chaos.
• The ritualistic dances serve to channel their anxiety into primal exhilaration.

This manipulation transforms them from innocent children into savage hunters capable of violence—a clear indication that without societal structure, humanity reverts to its basest instincts. As civilization crumbles under pressure from fear, it becomes evident that Golding posits that mankind has an intrinsic propensity towards brutality if left unchecked by societal norms.

Symbols Reflecting Civilization vs Savagery

Golding employs various symbols throughout "Lord of the Flies" to illustrate this conflict further:

• The Conch Shell: Represents law, order, and democratic power; its gradual destruction signifies the decline of civilized discourse among the boys.
• Pig’s Head (The Lord of the Flies): Symbolizes innate evil; it serves as a manifestation that darkness exists within all humans—suggesting that savagery is not an external force but resides within each individual.
• The Signal Fire: Represents hope for rescue; its neglect shows how quickly priorities shift from civilization back toward primal survival instincts.

Together these symbols encapsulate Golding’s argument: that civilization is merely a thin veneer over humanity's underlying savage tendencies which can be easily stripped away in times of crisis or chaos.

The Climactic Breakdown

The climax occurs during Simon's death—a pivotal moment symbolizing total descent into savagery where rational thought is overshadowed by collective madness. Mistaken for ‘the beast,’ Simon is brutally killed by those he considered friends—illustrating how far removed they have become from their original civilized selves. This tragic event marks not just Simon's demise but also signifies humanity’s moral decline on an allegorical level: innocence lost amidst brutality where empathy is sacrificed at alter egoism driven by primal instinct.

This descent continues until ultimately Ralph stands alone against Jack’s tribe—the last vestige fighting for reason amidst unrestrained chaos. The fire set at last signifies both destruction yet ironically salvation as naval officers arrive post chaos—in stark contrast showcasing two opposing forces: civilization arriving just after totality falls into barbarism highlighting cyclical nature associated with human history itself—a perpetual battle between order versus disorder!

Conclusion

"Lord Of The Flies" remains relevant today because it addresses fundamental questions about human nature—the duality existing within every individual caught between civilizational impulses versus savage instincts waiting beneath surface! Through characters' transformations alongside symbolic representations throughout narrative arc Golging reveals timeless struggle depicting fragility inherent within societies constructed upon shared values & systems governing our behaviors ultimately illustrating dire consequences arising when these foundations fracture paving way for darker paths leading us closer towards chaos!

This conflict between civilization & savagery showcases that while structures may attempt curb innate wildness lurking beneath surface humans retain capacity embrace both sides! Hence understanding such dichotomy allows us critically examine own behaviours enabling move forward ensuring we nurture better coexistence amongst ourselves striving create environments fostering cooperation rather than discord learning lessons past generations teaching remain vigilant guarding against encroaching darkness poised tempt lead astray!

References

• Golding, William. *Lord Of The Flies*. Faber & Faber, 1954.
• Lodge, David. “The Novels Of William Golding.” *The Times Literary Supplement*, 1980.
• Miller Jr., Edwin J., eds., *Critical Essays On William Golding*. G.K.Hall & Co., 1990.