Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, is a novel that explores the inherent evil in humanity. The story follows a group of British boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island and must govern themselves in order to survive. As the boys descend into savagery, they become more and more isolated from their civilized selves and struggle to maintain order and harmony.
One of the key questions raised in Lord of the Flies is whether or not individuals are born with an innate sense of morality, or if it is a product of society. The boys in the novel are initially well-behaved and follow the rules set by their leader, Ralph. However, as the boys become more isolated from civilization, they begin to shed their inhibitions and embrace their primal instincts. This leads to a power struggle between Ralph and Jack, who represents the primal and savage side of humanity.
Another question raised in the novel is whether or not power corrupts. As the boys begin to form their own society, they struggle with the balance of power. Ralph, who is initially elected as the leader, strives to maintain order and democracy on the island. However, Jack becomes increasingly tyrannical and abusive as he craves more power and control. This leads to a conflict between Ralph and Jack, and ultimately causes the disintegration of the group.
Lord of the Flies also explores the theme of loss of innocence. As the boys become more savage, they lose touch with their childhood innocence and become desensitized to violence and death. This is exemplified in the character of Simon, who represents the pure and innocent side of humanity. Simon is brutally murdered by the other boys, who mistake him for the beast that they fear. This incident serves as a turning point in the novel and symbolizes the loss of innocence in the boys.
Overall, Lord of the Flies is a thought-provoking novel that raises important questions about the nature of humanity and the role of society in shaping our morals and behavior. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power, the loss of innocence, and the potential for evil within us all.
