Lord of the Flies by William Golding is an explanation of the tendencies of human nature. It could be described as a classic GOOD vs EVIL situation. Likewise, Khalil Gibran’s poem GOOD and EVIL puts forth a very similar message, of the power struggle between GOOD and EVIL within ourselves. Both works ask us: what are the limits of the human spirit and how do we fight EVIL within ourselves?
Similarly, in the book Lord of the Flies, EVIL is presented as being innate, unwanted, even though it can be used to motivate and aid us in critical situations. When the boys first discovered they were stranded on the island, the little devil on their shoulder (representing the EVIL within the human spirit) whispered in their ear, “you are the strongest one, and better off without them. If you don’t eliminate them, you will die on this island”. Consequently, it would be a bloodbath. First, a power struggle between the groups, then within the groups. EVIL tells us to put our own urges and needs above the safety and needs of others, no matter the cost. This was explained in detail when Roger throws the stones at Henry, ultimately, he threw to miss. “There was a space round Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.” Consequently,