![]() Roger’s arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins”(62).Īlthough he has a true savage nature, Roger’s barbaric instincts conflict with the laws of civilization that he was once so accustomed to living by. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. “Yet there was a space round Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Roger is a complete savage, who enjoys inflicting pain on others, but his savagery is still partially contained by the rules of civilization. ![]() The internal conflict between civility and savagery presents itself in varying degrees within the characters. Throughout the novel, the use of symbolism is significant in representing the progression of civility and savagery. As the boys become increasingly savage, they forget the importance of the signal fire and rescue, which signifies their isolation from civilization. How can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don’t keep a fire going? ”(80). Ralph states “The fire is the most important thing on the island. One last important symbol is the signal fire, which serves as the boys’ only connection to the civilized world. The mask created by the paint is a form of escapism for Jack it allows him to free himself of the proper boy he once was in civilization, and let his barbaric impulses take control. “He capered toward Bill, and the mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness”(64). Another important symbol is the face paint worn by Jack, and later the rest of his tribe, which helps draw out their savage nature. The shattering of the conch shell represents the loss of order on the island. the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist”(181). The shell originally had a powerful influence over the boys, but its power diminishes as the boys become increasingly barbaric, and it is eventually lost forever. Order and unity are epitomized by the conch shell. There are multiple symbols in the novel that embody certain aspects of civilization and savagery. The conflict between Ralph and Jack provides a concrete perspective on the overall struggle between civility and savagery. As the boys’ fears increase, and their hopes of being rescued diminish, they turn to Jack for leadership, and civilization is no longer able to coexist with savagery on the island. Ralph shouts “Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up? ”(180). Jack and Ralph eventually clash over their contradicting ideas of leadership. Without adults and the laws of civilization repressing it, Jack’s savage nature becomes apparent. “He tried to convey the compulsion to track down and kill that was swallowing him up”(51). However, as the boys continue to be trapped on the island, Jack’s violent tendencies begin to emerge. Ralph’s leadership and desire to return to society represent civility. So we must make smoke on top of the mountain. He says, “If a ship comes near the island they may not notice us. From the novel’s beginning, Ralph’s main priority is to maintain the fire so the boys can be rescued. Ralph and Jack’s power struggle correlates with the battle between savagery and civility. Through external conflicts, symbolism, and internal struggles, the war between savagery and civility appears constantly throughout the novel. Lastly, these conflicting ideas present themselves in internal battles within the characters. Civility and savagery are further represented through recurring symbols throughout the novel. The conflict between the novel’s main protagonist and antagonist, Ralph and Jack, represents the broader struggle of these two ideas. In William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” civility, which is associated with morality and goodness, and savagery, associated with evil and corruptness, are constantly at war.
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