Evil In Lord Of The Flies

“The reason most people are bad is because they do not try to be good" (L. Frank Baum, The Emerald City of Oz). Evil comes from within; deep down every human has evil thoughts and intentions. Strong morals and character weaken this evil and keep it at bay. The evils of society are caused by the evils within people, not the other way around. Society is shaped by the personalities and actions of individuals as opposed to any political system or government. Lord of the Flies by William Golding tells the story of a group of young English schoolboys stranded on an island with no adults, rules or discipline. Observing their actions and dramatic change from innocent children to blood thirsty savages proves that the origin of evil lies deep within

They are eventually joined by numerous other children who are aware of the “good” island's attraction and perks. The island is compared to the the garden of Eden with its tranquility and perfection. This is an example of how the author uses biblical allusion to demonstrate the origin of evil. Simon, who represents Jesus, finds a secluded part of the jungle and observes its beauty. "The candle buds opened their wide white flowers glimmering under the light that pricked down from the first stars. Their scent spilled out into the air and took possession of the island" (pg. 57). The island itself is a beautiful area, where nothing bad resides. Evil does not exist on this island except within the children. They let it take over their thoughts and actions and in turn release it on the island. As a result of the children's inner savagery, at the end of the novel the island burns down. “The fire reached the coconut palms by the beach and swallowed them noisily. A flame, seemingly detached, swung like an acrobat and licked up the palm heads on the platform . The sky was black" (pg. 201). The boys bring evil to the island. This is another example of the author using allusion because he compares the boys sins’ ruining the island to Adam and Eve’s sins ruining their paradise in the Garden of Eden. The boys actions leave the island resembling hell instead of heaven. The fire devours the island just like evil devours the