Lord of the Flies
Kenisha Dawson Dawson1
Mr. Sheehan
ENG3U
20/12/12
The Breakdown of Civilization
As human beings, the instinct to survive is very impelling – whether it’s law or anarchy. As the novel progresses, the miniature civilization the boys attempt to create gradually descends into savagery. The deconstruction of the civilization results in the boys adapting to the barbaric way of survival causing animosity and regression.
Survival is one of the biggest factors the boys endure. They must get along; remain healthy and happy in spite of the occurrence. Unfortunately, the civilization begins to ruin due to the absence of rules and regulations. Jack states, “I agree with Ralph. We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything.” (Golding)… Ralph later reminds the boys of the rules “So remember. The rocks for a lavatory. Keep the fire going and smoke showing a signal. Don’t take food from the mountain. Take your food up there.” (Golding, 87) As they continue to survive, the boys become indolent – ignoring the rules. As chief, Ralph takes the initiative to bring order back to the boys to avoid chaos. The boys all seem to respond well to Ralph’s notion but Jack. This becomes ironic because Jack acknowledges the fact that the boys must have rules in order to remain civil and not transform into savages. However, through the course of the story, Jack unfortunately subsides and becomes a savage. The subconscious animosity between Ralph and Jack restricts the boys from living in harmony due to what they think is more important. During a meeting, Jack holds the conch and speaks – Ralph interrupts him “The
Mr. Sheehan
ENG3U
20/12/12
The Breakdown of Civilization
As human beings, the instinct to survive is very impelling – whether it’s law or anarchy. As the novel progresses, the miniature civilization the boys attempt to create gradually descends into savagery. The deconstruction of the civilization results in the boys adapting to the barbaric way of survival causing animosity and regression.
Survival is one of the biggest factors the boys endure. They must get along; remain healthy and happy in spite of the occurrence. Unfortunately, the civilization begins to ruin due to the absence of rules and regulations. Jack states, “I agree with Ralph. We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything.” (Golding)… Ralph later reminds the boys of the rules “So remember. The rocks for a lavatory. Keep the fire going and smoke showing a signal. Don’t take food from the mountain. Take your food up there.” (Golding, 87) As they continue to survive, the boys become indolent – ignoring the rules. As chief, Ralph takes the initiative to bring order back to the boys to avoid chaos. The boys all seem to respond well to Ralph’s notion but Jack. This becomes ironic because Jack acknowledges the fact that the boys must have rules in order to remain civil and not transform into savages. However, through the course of the story, Jack unfortunately subsides and becomes a savage. The subconscious animosity between Ralph and Jack restricts the boys from living in harmony due to what they think is more important. During a meeting, Jack holds the conch and speaks – Ralph interrupts him “The