Humanity In Lord Of The Flies

The True Nature of Humanity represented in William Golding’s, Lord of the Flies

Humans are complex creatures thus capable of both heroic, selfless compassion, and darkly motivated evil. Throughout a lifetime people are faced with many different challenges that will change them as a person. In some cases it may be for miniscule periods of time or may last interminably.

Predominantly, humans can be easily swayed by social forces that affect them in more ways than they may realize. Family, friends, and the ability to take the lead or control in a situation can greatly change a person's personality and the way they act. Right away it becomes apparent that Piggy is thinking of others and influences Ralph as he says, “We got to find the others.

When faced with the chance to stay above others, humans will almost always take advantage of the opportunity even if it negatively affects others. Whilst Jack has his group of choir boys set with jobs such as tending to the fire he is anxious to go on a hunt. He tells his boys who are maintaining the smoke signal to help with the hunt as they need extra people. The two boys desire meat and to enjoy the thrill of capturing a pig without caring about the effects of their actions. “We had to have them in the hunt, or there wouldn't have been enough for a ring”(73). Jack states, all that his hunters care about is getting the kill on the pig as he has said, “We can light the fire again”(73). The boys show no regard and do not even think of asking anyone else to take over for them, truly showing their selfishness. Once Jack has broken off from the main group he recruits the rest of the older boys to join him gaining more influence and social standing. Inevitably, Jack uses his power and intimidation to rule over the boys forcing them to obey all of his commands, as he belittles the others without a care it is apparent as Jack is speaking in a different style. “His tone conveyed a warning, given out of the pride of ownership”(165).Ralph thought, while attending the feast. After Jack has effectively established his standing he decides to delve deeper into the dark side of human nature to cause chaos on the island. He viciously attacks Ralph’s camp without warning just to steal Piggy’s glasses “We shall take fire from the others.”(178). Jack conspires the night just before. As Piggy’s glasses are the only means of fire, Jack’s tribe would stop at nothing to acquire the