Law Vs. Anarchy in "Lord of the Flies"

William Golding's allegorical Lord of the Flies portrays the struggle of a group of British boarding-school boys who are marooned on an island in the tropics. They quickly band together and form a democratic system to govern themselves. The job of chief is quickly given to Ralph, which infuriates Jack, who already possesses the qualities of a skilled leader. Jack's anger increases, and he continually pushes the boundaries of his role in the group. Eventually, when the boys refuse to relieve Ralph of his position, Jack declares himself the leader of a new tribe, beginning the deterioration of the democratic society and the birth of a new autocratic tribe. Although a democracy with rescue in mind is the obvious choice for civilized British boys, Jack's savage, heathen society prevails as the boys' regression from civilization shows that evil is stronger than good.

At the outset of the novel, Ralph forms a democratic society that functions smoothly, as the boys' instinct is still to behave according to the moral responsibilities of their upbringing and to live by rules. ."..there was a space around Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life" (62). Roger, although barely able to comprehend civility, still lives by the rules imposed upon him from birth, which helps to keep the democracy together. Also, Jack still shows a great deal of civility at the beginning of the story. "Ralph, I'll split up the choir--my hunters, that is--into groups, and we'll be responsible for keeping the fire going--" (42). Because at this point he is relatively content with his role as leader of the hunters, he contributes to the group by offering to keep the fire going.

However, when the boys' obsession with meat becomes foremost in their thought, the society formed by Ralph is challenged and begins to deteriorate. "Things are breaking up. I don't understand why. We began well; we were happy. And then--" (82). Because the boys' attention is focused on obtaining meat, they are no longer happy taking orders from Ralph. They do not want to bother with the upkeep of the fire, and would rather focus their energy on hunting instead of getting rescued. Although Jack feels fulfilled in his role as leader by providing meat, his gaffe is taking the choir boys away from the fire.