William Golding Lord Of The Flies Rhetorical Analysis

William Golding’s Theory of Savagery in Humanity Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel in which the natural savagery of human nature is conveyed through the characters present within the novel. While some of these characters behave in different manners, the majority of the characters display savage tendencies. There are but three exceptions to this trend: Piggy, Ralph, and Simon. These characters appear to be the only ones that display any desire to maintain order amongst the boys stranded on the island. In utilizing a multitude of rhetorical and thematic devices, author William Golding communicates his belief that all humans are, at the core, savage in nature, with the majority of humanity acting upon these savage tendencies.

One example of Golding’s utilization of rhetorical devices to support his theory is his use of repetition of a savage chant amongst the characters who fall under the savage category of the spectrum throughout the entirety of the novel: “‘Kill the pig! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!’” (Golding 186). This illustrates their inner savagery as they are supporting the gruesome act of murdering and mutilating a pig with eager anticipation. Usually, an average, civilized person would not support the mutilation of an animal. Another literary device that Golding uses is the device of analogy. Regarding Jack, Golding states “He tried to convey the compulsion to track down and kill that was swallowing him up” (Golding 51). This displays Jack’s savagery, as his desire to kill increases as the novel progresses. This desire to kill is a savage and psychopathic tendency. Therefore, this quote is favorable towards Golding’s argument about

Golding’s choice of words significantly impacts the way the characters are portrayed. Specifically, when he describes “the chief;” “The chief was sitting there, naked to the waist, his face blocked out in white and red” (Golding 160). “The chief” is really Jack, however, Golding refers to him as “the chief” because in reality, Jack is not truly himself anymore; he has developed into a much more savage individual. “The chief” can also be considered a symbol of savagery, as it represents Jack’s lowest point in his savage actions. Another outstanding use of diction is the attack and murder of Simon, or, “the beast,” by the savages: “The beast struggled forward… At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore” (Golding 153). In describing several verbs, the fast-paced intensity of the scene can be better comprehended. The fact that the boys attacked Simon without giving thought to the fact that it may not be the beast further depicts the savage nature of humanity. Golding brings to light that savagery is not always voluntary, but can also be impulsive, contributing further evidence supporting his theory of savagery in human