The Best Within

The Beast Within

Influences of society may suppress human nature for as long as it is present. Depending on the circumstances, the natural instincts of human may emerge. This concept is present in William Goldings novel Lord of the Flies. Golding demonstrates the destructive nature of human kind within a group of boys stranded on an island. Away from the influences of society, the primal instincts came alive and engulfed the children in savagery. The protagonist, Ralph began as having specific ideas about being rescued, but towards the end he lost site of what is important. Piggy, the symbol of intelligence and logic on the island, became someone different. The antagonist, Jack, who had a controlling and cruel nature from the start, became considerably worse until he was completely lost in the world of savagery. Civilized human behavior is dependant on the circumstances.
      Savagery may surface within all human beings, even where it is not expected. “…a mildness about his mouth and eyes that proclaimed no devil.” This proclaims that savagery is within everyone even the good. When Ralph was elected for the chief, he had started with specific ideas about getting rescued, keeping a fire and using the smoke as a signal for passing ships to see. “…we want to be rescued.” The intention to be rescued represents a tie to civilization. During the beginning, the destructive nature is shown when the children pushed the boulder off mountain. “smashed a deep hole in the canopy of the forest,” they, even at a young age enjoyed the idea of destruction. The presence of civilization within Ralph slowly waned due to time and the influences of boys around him. He began to forget about being rescued and the purpose of the fire. “Ralph was puzzled by the shutter that flickered in his brain…but the…oh…. the fire! Of course, the fire!” The shutter represents the holes in his memory about civilization and rescue. As Ralph was introduced to hunting, he became consumed in the...