Lord Of The Flies Power Essay

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A Thirst for Power “You’re a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief!” (Golding 179). How could power induce these kids to hate each other? In Lord of the Flies, the kids establish a government that disperses to a tyrant, so what are the dynamics of power in this story? In what circumstances are the littles a part of this hierarchy? How does this power relate to the outside world? Despite their attempt to create a government, the order collapsed and their own thoughts drove them away from potential rescue. From the onset of the story, power maintained a significant position in the hearts of all the children. This power varies with time, from Ralph’s democracy to Jack’s dictatorship. Ralph maintained peace on the beaches of the island, …show more content…

However, Jack’s dissatisfaction with Ralph’s power led him to seek his own group by instilling fear and exerting control. After Jack’s plan succeeded, Ralph grew powerless, and the conch lost its voice. With Jack at full power, he attempts to kill Ralph; however, unbeknownst to Jack, Roger holds a strong longing of power that may lead to Jack’s death. It remained this way until the Navy officer arrived, causing the group to lose its power of savagery (Golding 202). Throughout all of this chaos, the littles used their own small hierarchy as well. The littluns saw Ralph as a role-model because of his similarities to the adults, his ability to provide a sense of security, and his refusal to never exert his power over them. Oftentimes, the other boys ruined their fun and games; for example, Roger and Maurice kicked their sandcastles down, then Roger threw stones at Henry afterwards (Golding 62). This event can help prove the weakness of the littles, and it shows them what little power they possess. Yet, these littles uphold their own status. To further explain their positions, Henry’s stature permits him the edge over Percival and

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