Theme Of Loss Of Innocence In Lord Of The Flies

Loss of Innocence Is mankind inherently evil? Perhaps children aren’t actually innocent. Nature versus nurture has been a discussion for years whether we develop our personalities from where we grow up or if we are born the way we are. Lord of the Flies written by William Golding, illustrated the theme of loss of innocence; a matter on youth having to quell life’s reality. The effects of the island the novel takes place in posts a violent demeanor on the boys stranded on it. Golding uses the symbolism of uncertainty, killing, and the beast to convey the theme. The nature of things on the island was unknown. From their arrival, the boys had still carried along their past means. “There came a pause, a hiatus, the pig continued to scream… The piglet tore loose from the creepers and scurried into the undergrowth. They were left looking at each other and the place of terror. Jack’s face was white under the freckles,” (Golding 31). Jack’s purity resulted in a cowardly move. He had yet to adapt to the new environment. The boys were hesitant on what were to happen on a place like the island, they were

The author discussed how the boys were not guided at all throughout the time of the story. They lacked an adult figure, without one, they believed there were no rules around. No way to get caught or be in trouble. He also claimed that everyone has their own inner aggressions, the cause for the boys’ case was the impact of what the whole island had in store for them. Another thing Golding discussed was the way the act of killing changes you. There’s a big difference between civilized, and savage. Furthermore the beast. It was portrayed as some sort of figure in each chapter. Though what Golding meant to say, there was a beast in each of the characters. Each boy had their own beast in them. They were no longer pure choirboys, they had completely lost their innocence. Mankind is inherently