Trauma In Lord Of The Flies Essay

Human Nature: The Progression of the Psyche Through Trauma in Lord of the Flies

The great philosopher Plato believed in a tripartite division of human nature. He developed this opinion as a way to explain why people in politics had different motivations than others. Plato believed there was a relationship between the soul and his ideal city, so he chose to divide the soul into appetitive, spirited, and rational. These parts represent the artisans, auxiliary forces, and guardians respectively in his city that were the three types of citizens. Similar to Plato, in William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, he too has a tripartite view on human nature. In the novel, the boys are stranded on an island after a plane crash and have to survive on

The boys are even able to recognize their leader because their mind is drawn to the pure embodiment of social order in the microcosm that is the island. Just as social order is one of the components of human nature, spirituality is another that is addressed by Golding. When Simon talks to the Lord of the Flies, it asks him “‘There isn’t anyone to help you. Only me. And I’m the beast.’ Simon’s mouth labored, brought forth audible words. ‘Pig’s head on a stick.’ ‘Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill… You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s a no go? Why things are what they are?” (Golding 168). Simon is talking to a “pig’s head on a stick” for advice, which seems ridiculous, yet the head knows “there isn’t anyone to help [him].” The pig is the only one that can help Simon think through all the problems he has. It is important to remember that these boys are English, and more importantly, Christian. They believe that God lives inside of them just like the pig’s head is “part of [Simon]”. Christians also believe God is the creator, he is “why things are what they are.” Golding uses the Lord of the Flies to represent God in the Christian religion. This

Before the reality of being alone on an island sets in, Ralph is elected as chief. His first act as chief is that “‘Jack’s in charge of the choir. They can be- what do you want them to be?’ ‘Hunters.’ Jack and Ralph smiled at each other with shy liking… ‘We’ve got to decide if this is an island… three of us will go on an expedition and find out. I’ll go, and Jack and… Simon’” (Golding 21). As Jack and Ralph “[smile] at each other,” their clashing identities function together in harmony. Social order makes sure the loser of the election still has power and feels heard. He gives him the choice of “what [does he] want [the choir] to be” to keep savagery from acting out. Later, the three main elements of the psyche go exploring together. Ralph “Jack and… Simon" "decide if this is an island” together as one group as if they are parts of human nature together in one mind. Golding further expands on his views of human nature in a normal society. The three units of the psyche function together and are balanced, without taking over one’s area or dominating the entire mind. While Golding originally proves the psyche is balanced in normal conditions, sometimes there are extreme disturbances to life, like being stranded on an island without adults.