Littluns In Lord Of The Flies Essay

William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" explores the dark side of human nature and the breakdown of society in the face of chaos. Throughout the novel, the littluns, the younger boys on the island, serve as a crucial component of the story, acting as both a measure of the older boys' morality and representing the fragility and innocence of youth. One of the most significant ways in which the littluns serve as gauges of the older boys' moral positions is through the treatment they receive. When the older boys show kindness and compassion towards the littluns, it is an indicator that they are still holding onto their sense of morality and decency. Conversely, when the older boys mistreat the littluns or use them as scapegoats, just like when “Roger

However, the littluns are not just important for measuring the morality of the older boys. They also represent the innocence and vulnerability of youth. Unlike the older boys, who are able to understand the gravity of their situation, the littluns are too young and innocent to comprehend the severity of their predicament. They cling to the familiar routines and structures of their old lives, such as playing with sandcastles and collecting fruit, in an attempt to maintain some sense of normalcy in a chaotic and uncertain world. Furthermore, the littluns are also symbolic of the greater societal issues that arise in the novel. As the boys descend into savagery, the littluns become increasingly degraded and neglected, ultimately becoming the victims of the older boys' violent tendencies. This reflects the way in which society often degrades and neglects the most vulnerable members in times of crisis, such as children, the elderly, the disabled and the poor. In conclusion, the littluns play a significant role in "Lord of the Flies" as both a measure of the older boys' morality and a representation of the innocence and vulnerability of