Evil In Lord Of The Flies Research Paper

Evil holds a great amount of power, that many people are oblivious to. Evil holds the ability to shape and influence many people because of the destruction, chaos and ugliness it brings out of humans. In, Lord of The Flies, William Golding tells the childhood story of Coral Island, but in dystopian view as the boys struggle to keep civilization and structure alive on the island. Through savagery and fear, Golding shows human nature is exclusively evil as humans are easily lured by the evil within and around them.

Fear harbors future outbreaks of evil tendencies within the boys. Fear is seen used as a tactic to gain authority and justify violence. Jack uses fear to manipulate the boys into following him instead of Ralph through the beast. Jack enforces the existence of the beast by stating “"I expect the beast disguised himself. Perhaps we'd better keep on the right side of him, anyhow. You can't tell what he might do. The tribe considered this; and then were shaken, as if by a flow of wind. The chief saw the effect of his words and stood abruptly.” (142-143.Golding) Jack purposely exerts fear into the boy’s mind by giving the beast supernatural abilities, shapeshifting. Jack uses the pathos as a method of persuasion because he

targets the boy’s emotions to gain authority. This creates chaos to develop within the boys because they lack intellect and comprehension on the initial goal, rescue, instead of chasing after a “beast.” Fear controls the boys to the point where they choose ignorance and stupidity, Jack, over rationality, order, and truth, Ralph. This clearly shows the internal conflict that plagues the boy's mind, security over possible endangerment if they continue to stay with Ralph. Moreover, demonstrating the power struggle between good and evil seen in the situational archetype. The dangerous power shift between both characters exemplifies the external conflict prevalent since the beginning of the novel revealing Jack’s stubborn and flat characterization; a character who remains the same throughout the story; Jack fixates himself to hunting, fun instead of responsibility and structure. Furthermore, Jack an uncivilized being, lacking responsibility and ethics, are chosen to be the new chief, showing without the bonds of civilization humans revert to their natural state, evil. Although it is clear that boys tend to their savage instinct by choosing Jack, it is evident that Hobbes theory, people go back to their original state of evil without the presence of structure and society, plays true to the boy’s situation. Fear brings out the boy’s violent tendencies while on the island. The beast shows a prevent hand in the boy’s violent action The powerful figure of the beast is a personification of the boys fear by stating, "It was furry. There was something moving behind its head—wings. The beast moved too—That was awful. It kind of sat up— There were eyes—Teeth—Claws—We ran as fast as we could—" (67-75. Golding). Moreover, the image the beast portrays generates an obsession and idolization of the beast, as seen when an offering, lord of the flies, is given and their constant mission of hunting. Furthermore, he makes the beast seem like a reality than an imaginative creature. This then results in their fear to become a delusion of threat and endangerment. Furthermore, this encourages the boys to dive deeper into their savage instinct, committing acts of murder and brutality understand false understanding.
Savagery turns the boys into destructive and malicious beings. The savagery is seen through acts of murder and rivalry. The boys savage state results in them turning against one another. Ralph is an outcast because of his opposing views from Jack. In turn, Jack orders his hunters to hunt and kill Ralph down stating “They hate you, Ralph. They’re going to do you. They’re going to hunt you tomorrow.” (180.Golding) Jack is captivated with the idea of hunting the beast that in turn disrupts and disturbs his judgment into thinking murder is acceptable. Furthermore, Jacks deterring state of mind into savagery influences him to kill his own friends. Similar to The Most Dangerous Game, by Richard Connell, Zaroff kills humans as a way to satisfy his desire for the ultimate hunting game. Likewise, to Jack, who hunts to satisfy his savage instinct. Both characters are unable to differentiate between right and wrong due to their lack of connection to civilization. Although it is clear savagery is the consequence of no civilization, it is evident that an individual’s ID also plays a critical role in corrupt morality, as desires and impulses are put first before ration and reason. This creates a barrier between Jack rationality, causing him to act reckless and immoral. Although it's clear that jack sate of mind it the reason for his inhumane action and beliefs, it is clear that Hobbes theory clearly illustrates human’s natural instinct is evil when society and civilization are suppressed. Murder reflects the true nature of these boys, savages. Simon runs back to the camp, but witnesses a gathering and becomes the main target; he is seen as the beast. In turn, the boys begin to shout “Now out of the terror rose another desire, thick urgent. Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood! The beast stumbles into the horseshoe… Simon was crying out something about a dead man on a hill… Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood,” (152-Golding) murdering Simon. The boy's disturbing chant refers to the ritual archetype organized ceremony that involves honoring members of a given community and an initiate. The constant chant of murder and violence puts the boys in a state of trance where the idea of murder and actions is probably and acceptable. This atmosphere welcomes corrupt and malicious behavior to grow within the hurdle of boys. Consequently, creating a hunger for blood thirst which clearly shows the ID of the mind, wants whatever feels good at that time, completely taking over, removing the ego and superego. In addition, this severs the bonds between humanity, demoralizing the boys to a state of savagery, where the boys are completely oblivious too. Thus, illustrating the severity of the boy's absent minds; they are unable to acknowledge or care for their action.
In conclusion, according to Golding view, savagery and fear are the main factors that revert humans back to their original state of evil.

Indeed, it is certain that without the restriction of civilization, humans are bound to fall back to their original state of evil. Similar to William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth exchanges his morality and humanity for power and wealth, exerting his own will by committing multiple acts of murder and betrayal. Humans are vulnerable to the evils which surround them, likely leading them to give in, and disdain individuals from conduct, civilization, and law and order. Under these condition individuals are unable to successfully govern oneself and others, thus resulting in an uprising of pure evil to

spread.