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What Are Lord Of The Flies Reinforcing And Challenging Cultural Assumptions In Society

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Title: Lord of the Flies: Reinforcing and Challenging Cultural Assumptions in Society Introduction (approximately 70 words): William Golding's iconic novel, Lord of the Flies, delves into the depths of human nature, portraying a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island and their descent into savagery. The novel serves as a powerful exploration of the human condition and, in doing so, both reinforces and challenges various cultural assumptions prevalent in society. This essay will examine the extent to which Lord of the Flies reinforces and challenges these assumptions, exploring themes such as civilization, power, masculinity, and the inherent darkness within humanity. Reinforcement of Cultural Assumptions (approximately 240 words): Lord of the Flies reinforces certain cultural assumptions prevalent in society. Firstly, the novel highlights the importance of civilization and the rule of law in maintaining order. The boys' descent into …show more content…

One such assumption pertains to masculinity and its association with strength and dominance. The novel explores the complexities of masculinity, questioning the conventional belief that it equates to inherent virtue. Through characters like Jack and Roger, Golding exposes the destructive potential of toxic masculinity and its manifestation in aggression, violence, and the suppression of empathy. Moreover, the novel challenges the optimistic assumption that humans are inherently good. Golding's portrayal of the boys' descent into savagery and their indulgence in primal instincts confronts the notion that individuals possess an innate moral compass. By illustrating the vulnerability of human nature to succumb to base desires when societal constraints are removed, Lord of the Flies prompts readers to question their assumptions about the inherent goodness of

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