Democracy In Lord Of The Flies Essay

What prevents societies from establishing a democratic process that promotes moral and social advancement? In Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, a group of children get stranded on an uninhabited island. Initially, they elect a chief, Ralph, who sets up an orderly system with rules that are to be followed. Unfortunately, part of the group is drawn away as they are more attracted to hunting. The hunters ultimately become savages who choose violence over democracy. The lack of a democratic form of government prevents their society from flourishing on the island. A society can only advance if power is given to its people, who rule through a freely elected leader that promotes their shared objectives. Golding conveys that for a society to thrive, people should not be violent savages, but develop democratic order. Initially, the children were able to set up a democratic society, in which a leader was freely elected to pursue the common objectives of the group. First, on page 22, the children said “Let’s have a vote,” “Yes!” “Vote for chief!” Ralph was voted into his leadership role by this free election. Second, on page 81, Ralph said, “So remember. The rocks for a lavatory. Keep the fire going and smoke showing as a signal. Don’t take fire from the mountain. Take your food up there.” Ralph tried to get everyone to follow the rules, while
William Golding’s Lord of the Flies conveyed the message that the lack of democratic order prevented an orderly society from flourishing on the island. Golding conveys that in order to have a thriving society, a leader must be able to promote the good morals and social values of his society, while developing a democracy. So, what prevents societies from establishing a democratic process that promotes moral and social advancement? The lack of a democratic form of