Conformity In Lord Of The Flies Essay

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Symbolism of Conformity in Lord of the Flies
Conformity is typically used to describe action in accordance to prevailing social standards, attitudes and practices. In many cases, the act of conforming, can psychologically include the involvement for one to change their behaviour in order to fit in with certain groups. Frequently, one’s conformity is in stake as a societal standards are priority for the sake of fitting into societal norms, which can lead to the loss of one’s personal desire which in the long run can decrease a person’s talent and identity. In William Golding’s novel, ‘Lord of the Flies’, the island in the novel is symbolized as a perfect microcosm in relation to the real world at the time of publishment. ‘Lord of the Flies’ …show more content…

The boys desperately tried to resemble their past societies’ political system but began to fail with the lack of knowledge they possessed. Additionally with the breaking of the conch shell it symbolizes the end of civil rule and marks the beginning of a new uprising. Jack’s new comup of control. With the power of democracy diminishing among the boys, another belief/value was bound to be produced. Likewise, in ‘Lord of the Flies,’ the two main characters had a clash of values. The conch shell was an item of the past and a new ideal emerges via Jack, while Ralph embodies the world view similar to that of democracy where he allows other to voice their opinions, vote on issues and topics and have a choice as to who should be leader. Jack attempts to conform other on his new ideals which closely resemble that of communism where there is one divine leader. During the group’s time on the island the two boys conform to either beliefs where the two leaders’ actions depend upon the conformity of their alliances. Democracy is eventually destroyed as the conch shell, the groups embodiment of democracy, is broken. Whilst this occurs, Jack orders the murder of Ralph where the other boys are willing, yet not willing, to do the deed as Jack’s hunger for power leaves the boys to forget their individual ideas and goals. Ralph doesn’t use his role as chief to get out doing manual labour, instead he works hard at making shelters for the group of boys. He quickly balances control by open meetings where contribution is needed to get potential advice out of others. Jack however, is authoritative, dictoral, ruthless, with his rash decisions (one of them being the order of killing Ralph and not putting certain priorities

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