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Microcosm In Lord Of The Flies

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The concept of microcosm in society is a captivating and thought-provoking subject, beautifully depicted in William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" (LOTF). Set on a deserted island, the story unfolds as a group of boys navigate the challenges of survival without adult guidance. Initially, they strive to establish a democratic society, electing Ralph as their leader and using the conch shell as a symbol of order. However, as time passes, their differences become more pronounced, leading to a division between Ralph and Jack's factions. This division ultimately leads to the collapse of the society they attempted to build. The boys' inability to find common ground and cooperate causes them to view the world in absolutes, erasing the nuances …show more content…

In "Leviathan," Thomas Hobbes argues for a strong central authority to maintain social order and prevent the chaos that arises in the absence of governance. Similarly, in "Lord of the Flies," the boys struggle to establish and maintain a system of governance on an uninhabited island. This struggle leads to power struggles, violence, and the emergence of a brutal hierarchy. Both works also explore the concept of human nature in the absence of civilization. Hobbes describes the state of nature as a condition of war and chaos, where individuals are driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power. This notion is mirrored in "Lord of the Flies" as the boys gradually descend into savagery, abandoning their societal norms when cut off from the rules and structures of civilization. Which can also relate to the 10 stages of …show more content…

Initially, he establishes himself as a capable and wise leader, symbolising democracy and government. His aim is to maintain order and create a functional society on the island. However, as the story unfolds, Ralph grapples with inner conflicts and struggles to differentiate between good and evil. This struggle reflects the challenges faced by leaders in upholding a just and moral society. Ralph's predicament showcases the potential pitfalls of democratic ideals when faced with the pressures and chaos inherent in broken communities. Golding's portrayal of Ralph's internal struggles and the broader theme of civilization's fragility underline the challenges that societies throughout history have faced when conflicting ideals and uncertain governance

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