In the novel Lord of the Flies, William Golding explores the theme of the inherent dangers of civilization through a group of young boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island. Throughout the novel, the characters struggle to maintain order and structure, as they attempt to create a society that will allow them to survive and thrive. In this essay, I will discuss several quotes that illustrate the theme of civilization in Lord of the Flies, and how they reveal the complex and often fraught relationship between civilization and savagery.
One quote that speaks to the theme of civilization in Lord of the Flies is when Ralph says, "We can help each other. Don't you see? We're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything." This quote reveals the boys' belief that their identity as English boys makes them inherently superior to savagery. They believe that their civilization and culture give them the tools and knowledge to survive on the island and create a functioning society. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that this belief is not necessarily true, as the boys' attempts at creating a civilized society are constantly thwarted by their own primal instincts and desire for power.
Another quote that illustrates the theme of civilization in Lord of the Flies is when Piggy says, "Which is better—to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?" This quote highlights the tension between Ralph, who represents the civilized and logical side of the boys, and Jack and his followers, who represent the more primal and savage side. Piggy's comment suggests that being "sensible" and following the rules of civilization is superior to acting like "painted Indians," or savages. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that this dichotomy is not as clear-cut as Piggy believes, as even Ralph and Piggy are not immune to the lure of power and the desire to abandon the rules of civilization.
A final quote that speaks to the theme of civilization in Lord of the Flies is when Simon says, "Maybe there is a beast… maybe it's only us." This quote reveals the underlying idea that the true beast on the island is not an external force, but rather the savagery and primal instincts that exist within the boys themselves. This idea suggests that the boys' attempts at creating a civilized society are ultimately futile, as they are unable to overcome their own primal desires. This theme is further underscored by the boys' inability to maintain order and structure on the island, as they continually succumb to their primal instincts and the desire for power.
In conclusion, the quotes discussed in this essay reveal the complex and often fraught relationship between civilization and savagery in Lord of the Flies. These quotes illustrate the theme of the inherent dangers of civilization, as the boys' attempts at creating a society are constantly thwarted by their own primal instincts and the desire for power. They also suggest that the true beast on the island is not an external force, but rather the savagery and primal desires that exist within the boys themselves.
