-
Essay / The loss of innocence depicted in Lord of the Flies
Table of ContentsCharacter AnalysisDeterioration of OrderBeast SymbolismBibliographyWilliam Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, explores the theme of loss of innocence. Set on a desert island, a group of young boys find themselves isolated from civilization and the rules that govern society. As they struggle to survive, their primitive instincts and innate savagery begin to emerge. This essay will analyze the various instances of loss of innocence in the novel and discuss their implications. By examining the characters, the deterioration of order, and the symbolism of the beast, it becomes apparent that Golding effectively depicts the loss of innocence resulting from the boys' descent into savagery. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayCharacter AnalysisOne of the most prominent examples of loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies is seen through the character of Jack. Initially, Jack is presented as an altar boy with a sense of responsibility and order. However, as the novel progresses, his desire for power and domination overtakes his moral compass. This is evident when he becomes obsessed with hunting and killing pigs, which ultimately leads to Simon's murder. Jack's transformation from a civilized young boy to a savage leader highlights the loss of innocence resulting from the boys' isolation. Additionally, the character of Roger also illustrates the loss of innocence in the novel. At first, Roger is portrayed as a shy and obedient boy. However, as the boys become accustomed to their wild surroundings, Roger's true nature emerges. He becomes more and more cruel and sadistic, finding pleasure in making others suffer. His transformation reflects the loss of innocence as the boys' primal instincts take over, leading to the breakdown of order and morality. Deterioration of Order As the boys struggle to maintain order and civilization on the island, their efforts gradually deteriorate, leading to the loss of their innocence. innocence. At first, they attempt to establish rules and assign responsibilities, mirroring the structure of the society they left behind. However, as their fear and despair grow, they become more susceptible to the influence of their primitive instincts. The conch, which initially symbolizes order and democracy, loses its power and authority as the boys descend into chaos. The breakdown of order illustrates the loss of innocence as the boys succumb to their wild impulses. Moreover, the gradual deterioration of the boys' appearance and behavior further signifies their loss of innocence. Initially, they maintain their civilized appearance and adhere to societal norms. However, as their time on the island progresses, their physical appearance becomes increasingly disheveled and their behavior becomes increasingly brutal. Their transformation from innocent children into wild creatures highlights the loss of innocence resulting from their isolation and lack of societal constraints. Beast Symbolism The beast symbolism in Lord of the Flies is a significant representation of the loss of innocence. At first, the boys' fear of the beast is abstract and they create a mythical creature in their minds. However, as their fear intensifies, the beast becomes a tangible threat, personifying their own inner savagery. The beast represents the loss of innocence as the boys' primal instincts and savagery consume them,, 1954.