Victor Hugo Lord Of The Flies Quote Analysis

The truth bound to society couldn’t have been more well said by French Novelist Victor Hugo. “Society is a republic,” he declares, “when an individual tries to lift themselves above others, they are dragged down by the mass, either by ridicule or slander”(Victor Hugo Quotes”). Hugo’s words relate immensely to William Golding’s Lord of the Flies where in the midst of WWII a small group of young boys are suddenly stranded on an island without the help of grownups or an establishment. While trying to concoct a makeshift society within their capabilities, the group of boys face many challenges that disrupt their peace and brings out an inner savagery inside all of them. A herd of delinquents, many don’t listen to what others say. With injustice,
Golding implies how the weak or peculiar will always be ostracized in society by characterization. Oppressing to their society is harshly proven with the treatment of the tinier adolescents known as the Littluns. From the very beginning of the book the cruelty shown towards the smaller ones starts when a mulberry marked boy tries to speak during an assembly. Reaching for the conch results in laughter and mockery. A small persistent boy, he describes the “beastie” he saw. Expecting some sort of reaction from the Biguns regarding it, they’re once again laughed at before calling it fictional, bringing the discussion to a close and giving them little comfort (Golding 35-36). Though the issue should’ve had more thought, the Littluns are tossed aside and are given nothing to reassure themselves, as well as making them feel they gave no contribution. The lack of interest to their idea gives the notion how they relate to what degree modern society would treat them. As if they’re nonexistent. The harsh truth is out. They’ve come to accept the fact they cannot try to defy their civilization. Golding then uses the cruel treatment from Roger and Maurice to a couple of the littluns: “Roger led the way straight through the castles, kicking them over, burying the flowers, scattering the chosen stones. Maurice followed, laughing, and added to the destruction” (60). As shown, the little boys have become used to this treatment and do not react as much as they really should, all because they know they cannot fight the offense. To be weak means to be treated poorly in the end. When they see how their creations are being ruined, the boys, already used to the idea of not having a role, accept what is happening. They’re the weaklings. Surrendering is the only thing they are allowed to do, so the smaller youths bend to the will of the clan. Along with the treatment toward the Littluns, Lord of the Flies uses another peculiar character named Simon to show society excludes abnormal people without a cause.
The story uses the timidness from Simon to further show the cruelty given to him when offering ideas on what the beast is. When decided what the beastie really is, “Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind’s essential illness… Simon’s effort fell about him in ruins; the laughter beat him cruelly and he shrank away defenseless to his seat” (89). To be seen as strange for obeying, Simon exhibit how people in society with innovative ideas have explanations to what could be the answer, but are given no chance. Because of that constant fear of exclusion, people like Simon don’t speak up and share. Suffering silently is the only thing they can do. Simon gives us another point of view towards intolerance when he once again tries to speak up about another matter. The rebellious leader, Jack leaves. Simon tries to speak up by grabbing the conch, only to have the assembly beleaguer him. Suggesting they try to climb the mountain and see what the beast really is, he concludes there isn’t anything else they can really do (128-129). Again, Simon is ruthlessly treated harshly by the assembly. In the real world, this could prove as an example how the fear instilled in people from the unknown will cause the big belittling the weaker, and therefore causing them to have no voice. The chance of a possible and
valid suggestion that could benefit their problem vanishes. So, he accepts the fact and sits away. Beneath Simon’s frail self esteem lies the want to be vocal in his thoughts.
With society's unfair behavior toward Simon, the character Piggy gives an ultimate exhibition of yielding to those in power even with all his benefits. Piggy’s eagerness to have a role in their tribe is crushed because of his physical appearance and strength. When Jack, Ralph and Simon are chosen to explore the island Piggy wants to join to be of use, but is instantly denied and is indignant. However, he mentions to Ralph how he felt hurt that he was called by his cruel nickname “Piggy” in front of the other boys. A boy full of too much pride, Ralph lightly apologizes and orders him to stay behind (25). Wanting to show his leadership as well as be accepted, Piggy is met with a discriminated view because of his chubby demeanor. Although smart he is still not wanted. The people in Piggy’s role aren’t always given the incident to prove their worth because of minor things. Hence, they’re often neglected and do not feel accepted by their surroundings, learning to stay in the shadows. Proving another strong point, Piggy is scared of what will become of him if Ralph does not stay chief: “‘If you give up,’ said Piggy, in an appalled whisper, ‘what ‘ud happen to me?’... ‘He hates me. I dunno why. If he could do what he wanted- (93)’”. To have intelligence means Piggy knows he doesn’t stand a chance against the tribe because everyone hates him. He realizes that without Ralph being chief he would have to bend to society’s suffering and be restrained. The scene represents how people who know they’re small in power cannot stand a chance against others with voicing their opinions. With a keen conception of the bitter truth, Piggy holds the final say on what Golding is trying to express.
With a clear view of the cruel treatment towards the Littluns and the prejudice shown to Piggy, Golding gives us an exact example on how their positions apply to people in today’s world.
Even with Simon, who is seen as strange and different, is not welcomed with open arms and instead is greeted with the mocks and jeers of ignorant boys, just like how many role models shown in history faced. Lord of the Flies uses its characters to demonstrate how diverse and frail people will be suppressed under societies standards and voice unfairly. Victor Hugo, who has written many famous and controversial novels regarding the treatment toward people, cleanly wraps up the base underline of all nations: “Society is a republic. When an individual tries to lift themselves above others, they are dragged down by the mass, either by ridicule or slander” (“Victor Hugo
Quotes”).