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Humanity In Lord Of The Flies

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Humanity In Lord Of The Flies
What is humanity? What key components evolved over time to represent a word meaning more than a species but an ethical and moral distinction? William Golding’s success in evoking these such inquiries is nearly irrefutable as one experiences his novel Lord of the Flies. He weaves a tale of survival, loss, and humanity as he develops his characters’ unique personas through a plot as unpredictable and authentic as real life itself. Using the extensive illustrative detail the author generates a book of which’s merits will stand alone with its unique and memorable delivery. This literary journey leaves some wondering- at what points does one lose their innocence and shed their humanity? William Golding’s competence as a writer can be well accessed …show more content…
One quote that helps to evoke the entirety of these themes is, “Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.”(pg. 248) This helps to define the themes of which the author meant to address though it does little to truly define a message or lesson that can be gained. The reader is instead left to interpret the events of the book and draw from it what they will. This helps to add a level of interest to the book as one is spoon-fed the information and discussions and pondering are provoked. The idea of humanity is one example of themes that are well explored throughout this book. One aspect that is directly addressed is the distinction between innocence and humanity. Where does one draw that line between losing their innocence and losing their humanity? The characters are used to embody different example and levels of each of this. Piggy who remained innocent until death with intelligence and pure-heartedness that defined him as an outcast in a situation in which corruption ran rampant. Ralph who lost his innocence in a fight for civilization and order, yet remained humane with his guilt ridden conscience. Jack who rallied boys into murderous frenzies and led his savages to chaos yet knew of his wrongs and couldn’t face them. “The mask was a thing on it's own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-conciousness.”(pg. 64) Roger who committed murder without guilt or repentance lacking the need for explanations or

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