How Does Hobbes Use Power In Lord Of The Flies

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The behavior of man can be altered when new factors are put into place. In Leviathan, Hobbes addresses these factors and interprets the nature of society when power is eliminated. Similarly, Lord of the Flies, a novel written by William Golding, demonstrates the actions of young boys when law and power is removed. In relation to Lord of the Flies, Hobbes’ assumptions on man’s native state are more correct than Locke’s. Hobbes’ claim that, there is no form of right or wrong when society is man against man, is exemplified by Jack’s mission to kill Ralph, as they are enemies. Hobbes believes that “When there is no common power, there is no law; where no law, no injustice” (Hobbes, 3). When it is man against man, the ideas of justice and injustice …show more content…

Hobbes addresses that no matter what traits you acquire, or a person’s character type, anyone can find a way to kill another person. Conversely, there is the assumption that the weakest are targets, but Hobbes’ theory supports the idea that “the weakest has the strength enough to kill the strongest” (Hobbes, 1). Moveover, strength, especially in Hobbes’ opinion, is identified as physical or mental. Society’s equality developed through the idea of physical and mental strength. In addition, no one should be underestimated, for everyone has equal skills and abilities. This concept can be witnessed throughout the whole novel, for many of the characters who seem weak, develop into the strongest. During the first day on the island, the boys hold a meeting and decide it is necessary to admit a chief to keep order. Jack thinks he ought to be chief because he is “chapter chorister and head boy” and he “can sing a sharp C” (22). In the beginning of Lord Of the Flies, Jack is a proper boy as well as leader of a choir. However, as the novel progresses, it can be recognized that the character of Jack progresses as well. Nevertheless, Jack’s character traits do not change, but the more vicious traits begin to appear. It is hard to imagine that a boy of his nature could become a boy of danger and violence, however, as Hobbes notion has explained, anyone can have the abilities to kill the

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