Since William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, was published in 1954, it has captivated readers with its exploration of the inherent struggle between civilization and savagery. Set on a desert island, the story follows a group of young boys who are forced to confront their own primal instincts as they attempt to establish a functioning society. Throughout the novel, Golding uses various quotes to emphasize the dichotomy between civilization and savagery, ultimately revealing the fragility of human nature. This essay will analyze several key quotes from Lord of the Flies that illustrate this theme, shedding light on the destructive potential that resides within every individual. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay One of the most striking quotes from Lord of the Flies that depicts the loss of civilization is when Ralph, the novel's protagonist, says, "We must have rules and follow them." After all, we are not savages, we are English, and the English are the best at everything” (Golding 42). This statement reflects Ralph's belief in the power of order and structure, as well as his belief that their English education will allow them to maintain civilized behavior. However, as the boys gradually descend into savagery, this quote highlights the irony of their situation. Despite their initial adherence to the rules and their cultural background, they succumb to their primal instincts, ultimately proving that civilization is a fragile construct that can easily collapse. Another quote that illustrates the appeal of savagery in Lord of the Flies is when Jack, the antagonist, exclaims: "Fuck the rules! We are strong, we hunt! If there is a beast, we will hunt it down We will come close and strike and beat and beat” (Golding 91). This statement highlights Jack's growing obsession with hunting and violence, which ultimately leads him to abandon the principles of civilization. The use of profanity in this quote highlights Jack's disregard for rules and his willingness to embrace savagery. By contrasting Jack's words with Ralph's earlier belief in the importance of rules, Golding highlights the inherent tension between civilization and savagery that exists within each individual. A key quote that sums up the descent into darkness in Lord of the Flies is when Simon, one of the more introspective characters, realizes: "Maybe there is a beast...maybe it's not is that we” (Golding 89). This profound insight highlights the central theme of the novel: that the true beast lies in human nature. As the boys' fear and paranoia intensify, they project their inner darkness onto the imagined beast, blurring the line between reality and imagination. This quote reminds us that every individual has the capacity for savagery and that the constraints of civilization are easily cast aside in the face of fear and despair. In conclusion, Lord of the Flies masterfully explores the duality of civilization and savagery through its evocative quotes. Ralph's belief in the power of rules, Jack's attraction to wildness, and Simon's awareness of the beast within serve to highlight the fragile nature of civilization and the inherent darkness within individuals. Golding's novel chillingly reminds us that when removed from the constraints of society, even the most civilized individuals can succumb to, 1954.