Moral Choices In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

825 Words4 Pages

“Demonstrating the choices that characters may make regarding the need for self-prevention versus the need to maintain their moral code" is a common theme in literature. This theme explores the idea that sometimes characters are faced with difficult choices where they must choose between doing what is right and doing what is necessary. In some cases, characters may be forced to compromise their moral code to protect themselves or others. In other cases, characters may choose to maintain their moral code even if it means putting themselves or others in danger. This theme can be found in many different types of literature, including novels, plays, and short stories. For example, William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' is a powerful novel that demonstrates …show more content…

At the beginning of the novel, the boys try to establish a system of rules and order to maintain their society. However, as they become more desperate to survive, some of the boys begin to break these rules and resort to violence. For example, Jack becomes more and more focused on hunting and killing animals, which eventually leads to him becoming a violent and dangerous leader. In contrast, Ralph tries to maintain order and uphold the boys' moral code, even when it becomes difficult to do so. Overall, the novel demonstrates the difficult choices that characters must make when faced with the need for self-preservation versus the need to maintain their moral code. It shows how the characters in "Lord of the Flies" are forced to make difficult choices to survive. Some of the characters, such as Jack, prioritize their survival above all else and are willing to break the rules and resort to violence to do so. Other characters, such as Ralph, try to maintain their moral code and uphold the laws, even when it becomes difficult to do so. The novel demonstrates how characters must weigh the need for self-preservation against the need to maintain their moral code, and how these choices can have serious …show more content…

The novel suggests that even the most civilized individuals can become violent and dangerous when placed in a situation where they must fight for survival. Additionally, the fact that the boys are children suggests that the novel is also about the loss of innocence and the corrupting influence of power. While the choices that characters make regarding self-preservation versus moral code are certainly an important aspect of the novel, it is not the only theme that the novel explores. This is evident in the way that the boys' behavior becomes more violent and primitive as they become more desperate to survive. For example, the boys become obsessed with hunting and killing animals and eventually turn on each other violently and chaotically. This suggests that even the most civilized individuals can become violent and dangerous when placed in a situation where they must fight for survival. The boys start as innocent children, but their experiences on the island cause them to lose their innocence and become more savage and