The first chapter of lord of the flies introduces its themes of primitivity, innocence, and dissolution of order (savagery) in a way that allows readers to make comparisons between the book's characters and setting before and after they develop. Primitivity is primarily shown when the boys arrive at the island. Instead of setting obligations for themselves immediately like an adult might, they see only the freedom that they have and indulge in it with great relish.This enthusiasm is demonstrated most noticeably when Ralph begins to explore a part of the island in the first scene of the novel: "he became conscious of the weight of clothes...and stood there naked, looking at the dazzling beach and water" (Golding 10). Ralph expresses childish awe at the paradisiac island he and the other boys have crashed onto. Carried away by his boyish excitement and loose inhibitions, he sheds his clothes. Although this act may seem inconsequential at first, it should be interpreted as a symbol of his readiness to descend into a more primordial lifestyle. …show more content…
Before its development, however, the characters have not yet forgotten their moral commitment to society. Dissolution of order's antecedent is displayed when the boys finally assemble and begin to worry about how to handle the situation at hand. Not only do they show concern about their survival, they feel pressured by a phantom adult hand to "do the right things" because "(they're) not savages" and are "English, and the English are the best at everything" (Golding 42). This expectation from the more shrewd and worldly-wise grown-ups serves as an incentive for them to make the best out of their situation. Although none of the characters directly state that they feel such constraints, Golding heavily implies that they are