Lord of the Flies written by William Golding is a 1954 novel about a group of British boys stranded on an inhabited island after a plane crash and their unsuccessful attempts to govern themselves. Amongst the group of teenage boys is a boy named Ralph, who, after discovering a conch, becomes “the chief” and claims himself leader. Under the leadership of Ralph, the boys established 3 primary policies, to have fun, to survive, and to build and maintain a fire to alert the rescuers. However, this situation isn’t as simple and easy as it may seem, because there is a conflict between Ralph, and another boy Jack, and eventually, the group of survivors split in two. Through the midst of conflicts, the boys’ feelings are also revealed to be in a string of mixed emotions. So, without further ado, let us join Ralph and Jack and the rest of the boys on their adventure on the inhabited island.
Human nature can cause individuals or groups of people to have mixed feelings towards each other which can result in rivalry. Conflicts can result in arguments which can make two friends become rivals. At first, Ralph is the universal leader of the group of boys. However, as shown in chapter 8, there is a fight between Ralph and Jack, and soon, Jack leaves, taking a few of the boys with him, therefore, having the group split in two. Though many conflicts would have resulted in the group being split in two, Ralph and Jack’s very different personalities was one of the major reasons why they became rivals. Ralph insists on civilized values and the hope of being rescued while Jack wants to enjoy the freedom and benefits of hunting on the island. Jack’s views/personality results in Ralph saying that even Jack can’t defeat the “beast” which eventually results in Jack leaving the group. His liking for hunting also contributes to the fact that he and his “hunters” killed the pig. Jack also uses the fear of the beast amongst the other boys to scare the boys into following/obeying him and to worship the beast. He makes everyone think that he can control and conquer the beast. Why Ralph and Jack hate each other and why they are rivals is the cause of human nature. Different human natures can result in rivalry and many conflicts can occur.
Cruelty and evilness is the beast that lives within all humans. The cruelty and evilness that is somewhere in each person’s heart can defeat more people and cause more conflicts than anything else in the world. The “beast” that boys are afraid of isn’t a fire breathing dragon or hungry bear. The “beast” that the boys are afraid of is the evil that lives inside of them. By chapter 8 in the story, the boys have completely lost themselves, and have completely immersed into savagery that there is no turning back. They are the beasts themselves as they have lost themselves and turned into something completely different than what they were before. The killing of the sow (pig) is symbolic as it shows that the beast, or cruelty, is inside each of the boys. The killing of the sow also shows the change from civilization to barbarism. They are beasts themselves, as cruelty and savagery takes over them which results in them killing a mother pig that is feeding her children. The boys, who are afraid of the beast and don’t know where the beast is, sacrifice the head of the sow to something they are afraid of, to try to release the fear inside of them. Simon, who is hiding in his hiding spot, is the only one who seems to recognize that the beast that all the boys are afraid of is actually the cruelty that has taken over them. The boys have given themselves to darkness, rather than challenging evil. A beast does not know that he is a beast, instead, the nearer they are to becoming a beast, the more they are afraid of it.
Mixed string of emotions and feelings can be experienced by one who is lost, confused, or not thinking straight. Through their stay on the island, they boys experience many different feelings that differ between each individual. The boys feel tension. They feel stressed out, not knowing what to do. They’re lonely and homeless. The boys also feel and experience freedom. They’ve never experienced this type of freedom before and want to enjoy it all. However, freedom comes at a price. With this vast amount of freedom, the boys have to pay a price and conflicts can occur. Throughout all of this, the boys are also happy. They are happy that they can live uncivilized lives with freedom and can do whatever they want. Emotions and strong feelings are something that we can all experience. However, as time passes emotions and strong feelings can take over us, once again, turning one into a beast. Controlling emotions and strong feelings are important, as it prevents our emotions and feelings from controlling us.
The Lord of Flies is a novel that in many aspects teaches us many important lessons and meanings of life. Throughout chapter 8, we explore the differences in human nature, and the conflicts and trouble that it can cause. Though sometimes opposites may attract, in this situation, being opposite can cause problems between individuals. Through chapter 8, we also learn about the beast that lives within all of us. The death of the sow and Simon’s discovery of the beast symbolizes and teaches us that the beast that we fear is actually the one that lives deep down within us. Simon, the sick boy who experiences seizures who isn’t accepted by the group, experiences a vision during the ceremony of cutting the pig's head. The Lord of Flies appears and eventually makes him how silly he and the other boys are and makes him realize who the beast is, and where it is. We also explore the role of emotions and feelings and their impact on us in different situations. So let us join the boys, on their attempt to survive on their own while conquering the beast within them, for the beast is part of you.
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