Lord Of The Flies Quote Analysis

Lord of the Flies Final Essay
By: Jacob Courchaine

"I was the chief, and you were going to do what I said. You talk. But you can't even build huts-then you go off hunting and let the fire go out." (Golding 99). This quote, which is around ⅓ of the way through the book. Highlights when Ralph finally has enough and expresses his disappointment toward Jack. Once power and rules are disobeyed, chaos and disorganization follow. A similar process follows suit whether in the book, society, or in real life. Golding uses moments like these to pronounce in-depth means of symbolism throughout the entire book. This helps the reader understand how the need for power and self-actualization act as the primary motivators in the book.

Golding uses the alternating

Just giving orders that don't make any sense—" (Golding 129). This quote furthers the plot as it continues to accentuate the difference in power styles between Jack and Ralph. More specifically, the ideal type of government the boys want. Again, Ralph favors a more equal-sided democratic society where power is given. Jack desires a more autocratic government in which power is taken and forced upon the people. Circling back, this quote is one of the first instances of this divide, especially that which is so prominent. Overall, the balance of power between Ralph and Jack is constantly shifting. This in turn, is a major motivator in furthering the plot

Golding has planned these moments to further the plot and indulge the reader in a deeper storyline. In chapter 4, Jack is having some downtime in the lake/bathing pool. Here, he begins to realize his more savage and violent side. He takes the mask and uses it as a disguise for what he is and what his morals stand for. "The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness." (Golding 89). Overall, this quote goes along with the idea of self-actualization with Jack. However, instead of being a good way of positive self-reflection. Jack takes it upon himself to bring out and come to realization of his more violent and demonic sides all while using the mask as an excuse. As we fly into the climax of the book, Piggy is struck with a boulder from the opposing tribe of Jack's. During this encounter, while Piggy had died, he held something of much symbolic significance in his hands, the conch. "The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist." (Golding 260). This moment symbolizes the utter breakdown of society and everything that has kept the boys grounded from the beginning. Following this, the power structure is now gone, and instead of just Jack having a moment of self-actualization, the group as a whole now realizes what has occurred. Overall, this furthers the plot as there's no longer a proper power structure, and it seems