Masculinity In Lord Of The Flies

Masculinity Defined

What defines masculinity? Many boys struggle to accept themselves and society does not make acceptance any easy task. The definition of “masculinity” is seemingly set in stone; people see the word as meaning brave or tough. In reality, masculinity is the characteristics that form a man. The book, Lord of the Flies, by William Golding explores the many layers of masculinity in a tribe of British boys. The book shows us that many other characteristics such as intellect, compassion, and savagery (accepted by society or not) make up masculinity.

One way in which masculinity is defined is when Piggy is shown to be the rejected representation of masculinity. For example, when Piggy complains that he is not proffered meat from the pig, Jack Merridew asserts, “’You didn’t hunt’” (74). Jack implies that Piggy is incapable of handling physical labor and is useless to society. Because Piggy contributes common sense and intellect to society, he is

an outcast. Another example of the unwelcomed aspect of masculinity is shown when Piggy belittles Jack’s tribe of boys, “’Which is better- to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is’” (180). By stating his thoughts, Piggy clearly shows his defiance of the tribe’s views. Because clamor arises and Roger is aroused, Piggy stands out negatively among the boys. By acting differently, Piggy becomes a target of society.
Another way masculinity is defined is Simon’s representation of the spirituality and compassion in each boy that begins to vanish. For example, when the tribe lets the fire go out and Ralph feels hopeless, Simon reassures him, “’You’ll get back to where you came from’” (111). In this scene, Simon demonstrates hope for the future. Because many of the boys are now unconcerned with being saved, Simon is dubbed as unrealistic. Another example of the hidden aspect of masculinity that is Simon is shown when he is killed by the tribe, which chants, “’Kill the beast! Cut his throat’” (152). The chanting indicates the tribe’s loss of compassion for human innocence. Simon attempts to reveal the truth to the tribe and his death signifies the lack of compassion that comes with masculinity among the boys. Even though Simon only does good for the tribe, he is unappreciated. Readers begin to see that compassion and spirituality are disfavored aspects of masculinity.
The last way masculinity is shown is through Roger’s relentlessness and savagery, which are qualities that are accepted by society.

For instance, when Roger sees the tension between Ralph, Piggy, and the tribe; the author narrates, “Below him, Ralph was a shock of hair and Piggy a bag of fat.” (180) Roger no longer sees the two boys as people, but as prey. At this moment he becomes a hunter that stops at nothing to earn the respect of the tribe. Another example of Roger’s accepted masculinity is shown when Roger joins Jack in hunting the pig. The author narrates, “Roger ran around the heap, prodding with his spear whenever pig flesh appeared.” (135) Roger continuously stabs at the pig without hesitation; he no longer wants to eat the meat for survival but enjoys the slaughtering. His actions of savagery are applauded by society, which shows that he himself has become more of an animal than a boy. Roger begins to portray an animal that goes to great lengths to achieve what he wants and is encouraged by

society.
In this story, one comes to terms with the real definition of masculinity. One finds that masculinity is more than what society gives it credit for. It is important to realize that many qualities such as intellect and compassion also make up masculinity as well as society’s portrayal. So, one should not make assumptions on manliness. Therefore, men are more than society’s opinion on their masculinity.