The Role of the Island in “Lord of the Flies”. In the novel “ Lord of the Flies”, written by William Golding, a group of boys are stranded on a deserted island. This isolation gradually leads to the breakdown of social order, revealing their primal instincts. Golding's work, published in 1954, was influenced by his experience in the second world war, which had shaped his bleak view of human nature and potential for brutality within all people. In the novel, the island is not just a backdrop but is a spiritual force that drives the events that occur and explores profound themes such as civilization versus savagery, loss of innocence, and the inherent of darkness within humanity. This essay will discuss: the island as a catalyst for events, the islands role in exploring the theme of civilization and …show more content…
Jack's declaration about the beast symbolizes this inherent darkness: “And about the beast. When we kill, we’ll leave some of the kill for it. Then it won’t bother us, maybe” (Jack page 165). This quote underscores the idea that the boys are succumbing to their primal fears and instincts, treating the beast as a real entity that can be appeased through violence. This belief in the beast and the subsequent actions to appease it highlight the boys inner darkness and capacity for evil. Simons encounter with the Lord of the Flies, a pig’s head on a stick’ further symbolizes this inherent evil. During his hallucinatory conversation with the Lord of the Files, Simon realizes that the true beast is within the boys themselves:” The beast was harmless and horrible”(Simon page 181). This revelation highlights the theme that the darkness lies within every human being, and the island’s isolation and lack of societal rules unleash this inner savagery. The boys transformation from civilized schoolchildren to violent savages illustrates Golding’s dark view of human