Self Identity In Lord Of The Flies

In George Orwell’s 1984, the government bans actions of self-expression to assert its oppressive power. Members of Orwell’s society use their creativity as a means to combat the regime and preserve their sense of self. This conservation of self is illustrated through characters such as Winston and his desire to write. Similarly, William Golding’s Lord of the Flies demonstrates the mind’s instinct to use methods to maintain self-identity through the boys’ body painting and ceremonial cries. As self-preservation is one of the main survival instincts of man, humans take many measures to ensure that their individuality is protected. This inclination triggers a power struggle between man and government because of the impulse to protect and

Ralph's attempt at leading the boys demonstrates the overbearing extension of governmental power. Jack contradicts Ralph’s leadership and the authority of the conch: “‘Who are you, anyway? Sitting there telling people what to do. You can't hunt, you can't sing―’ ‘I'm chief. I was chosen.’ ‘Why should choosing make any difference? Just giving orders that don't make any sense―’” (Golding 103). While Ralph and Jack share the goal of surviving on the island, Ralph focuses on the logistics and Jack focuses on the more abstract. All Ralph does is give “orders that don’t make any sense.” He cannot hunt or sing which are attributes the boys admire in Jack and want to exemplify themselves. Simply giving orders paints the image of a strict authoritarian leader; the boys find no interest in following this type of leadership. When government extends its control too far, the mind questions the structure that has been created. As such, rebellion follows, and the mind rejects the strict regime. In contrast, a lack of authority causes turmoil in its own way. Moments after questioning Ralph’s leadership, Jack proclaims, “‘Bollocks to the rules! We're strong―we hunt! If there's a beast, we'll hunt it down! We'll close in and beat and beat and beat―!’ He gave a wild whoop and leapt down to the pale sand. At once the platform was full of noise and excitement, scramblings, screams and laughter” (Golding 104). Too many rules incite rebellion, which is clear in Jack’s proclamation of “Bollocks to the rules,” however not enough structure leads to disorder as well. After Jack defies Ralph’s leadership, “the platform was full of noise and excitement, scramblings, screams, and laughter.” While the excitement and laughter demonstrate the boys’ interest in joining Jack, it is still just noise and scrambling. Too much