Theme Of Inhumanity In Lord Of The Flies

The Dark Side of Humanity

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the united states summed up the theme of both Lord of the Flies by William Golding, and “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare when he stated that “Human action can be modified to some extent, but human nature cannot be changed.” Both stories demonstrate how civilized people that appear moral on the outside can still return to their savage nature. In one of Shakespeare's most well known plays, “Macbeth,” he retells the story of a Scottish king as a wise and noble warrior who turns to cruelty in pursuit of power. Many years later, William Golding published Lord of the Flies, a disposition allegory, that brings forth similar themes of inhumanity. After becoming stranded on an island

In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth experiences ambition for power. After sacrificing his conscience along with the lives of innocent people Macbeth finally comes to realize the futility of his venture as he declares,“Out, out, brief candle! / Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more”(V.iv.57). Macbeth paid a high price for his position and as he reflects on the cost he finally comes to realize that his time on earth was "but a walking shadow." He had given everything, including his life, to obtain his power only to realize that it doesn't last. His ambition has driven him to savagery and it cost him his life. William Golding also shows the effects of ambition in Lord of the Flies. At one point in the story Golding describes a "quiet terror" among the boys as "Roger advanced upon them as one wielding a nameless authority" (p.231). When they first landed on the island the boys established a somewhat organized form of government. However as time went on, individuals, ambitious for power, gained leadership through fear. This required them to become heartless and eventually lead them to savagery. Both stories portray the devastating effects the ambition can