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  • Essay / Loss of innocence in Lord of The Flies

    Imagine being stranded on a desert island with a group of young boys, far from the comforts and rules of society. In William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, the concept of loss of innocence is explored through the experiences of these boys as they struggle to survive and maintain order. The theme of loss of innocence is prevalent throughout the text and serves as a cautionary tale about the inherent darkness of humanity. This essay will analyze the various instances of loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies and discuss their broader implications. 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 main examples of loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies is the transformation of the boys from civilized individuals into savages. First, the boys establish rules and elect a leader to try to create some semblance of order on the island. However, as the story progresses, their descent into savagery becomes evident. Once innocent and well-behaved children engage in acts of violence and brutality. This is evident when Jack and his hunters kill their first pig, marking the beginning of their wild behavior. Golding describes this moment by stating, “The pause was just long enough for them to understand how enormity the race to the bottom would be” (Golding, 53). Here, the loss of innocence is represented by the boys' realization that they are capable of committing heinous acts. Additionally, the character of Simon illustrates the loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies. Simon, a sensitive and insightful boy, represents purity and goodness on the island. While the other boys descend into chaos, Simon tries to maintain his innocence and seeks solace in nature. However, his innocence is ultimately destroyed when he is mistaken for the beast and brutally murdered by the other boys. This pivotal moment highlights the tragic loss of innocence and the evil inherent in human nature. Golding reinforces this idea by describing Simon's lifeless body as "a blue-white scar" (Golding, 154), symbolizing the loss of purity and the triumph of darkness. Another important aspect of the loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies is the breakdown of the boys' moral values ​​and ethical principles. In the absence of adult authority, the boys are left to their own devices. However, their lack of guidance leads to the gradual erosion of their moral sense. This is evident in the scene where the boys participate in the brutal murder of a naughty mother. Golding describes their behavior by stating, “The desire to squeeze and hurt was too controlled” (Golding, 135). Here, the loss of innocence is represented through the boys' disregard for the sanctity of life and their descent into immorality. In conclusion, Lord of the Flies explores the theme of loss of innocence through the boys' transformation from civilized individuals to savages, Simon's tragic fate, and the collapse of their moral values. This novel serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of innocence and the potential for darkness within humanity. The loss of innocence depicted in Lord of the Flies serves as a warning against the destructive forces that can emerge when societal constraints are removed. It invites readers to think about the implications of unchecked power and the consequences of abandoning moral principles. Through its exploration of the loss of innocence, Lord of the Flies raises important questions about the nature of humanity and the delicate balance between civilization and savagery. Bibliography: Keep in mind: this, 1954.