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Exploring the Dark Human Nature in William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'

William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' explores profound themes such as civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, and the innate evil within humanity. Written after World War II, Golding reflects on human nature, suggesting that all individuals possess the potential for cruelty, akin to the Nazis during the war. The novel employs powerful symbols like the conch, representing democracy, and Piggy's glasses, symbolizing intelligence and clear-sightedness. Set on an uninhabited island, the boys' descent into savagery serves as a microcosm of society’s broader struggles with order and chaos.

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Exploring the Dark Human Nature in William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'

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  1. Lord of the Flies illiam Golding 1911- 1993

  2. Lord of the Flies “It was simply what seemed sensible for me to write after the war when everyone was thanking God they weren’t Nazis. I’d seen enough to realize that every single one of us could be Nazis.” William Golding

  3. The World Golding Knew • WWII 1939- 1945 • The fall of France to Nazi Germany in1940 • Britain feared an invasion and evacuated children to other countries • 1940- A German U-Boat torpedoed British ship carrying children killing the boys, thus suspending the oversees evacuation program

  4. Themes in the Novel • Civilization vs. Savagery • Loss of Innocence • Original Sin • Fear that separates one from God • Nature of Good and Evil • Goodness is rare and fleeting

  5. Symbols in the Novel Piggy, (and Glasses) - Clear-sightedness, intelligence. Ralph, The Conch - Democracy, Order Simon - Pure Goodness, "Christ Figure" Roger - Evil, Satan Jack - Savagery, Anarchy The Island - A microcosm representing the world The "Scar” - Man's destruction, destructive forces The Beast - The evil residing within everyone, the dark side of human nature. Lord of the Flies - The Devil, great danger or evil

  6. Philosophical Influence • John Hobbes • English Philosopher: 1588- 1679 • Man is by nature selfishly individualistic • Man constantly at war with other men • Fear of violent death is sole motivation to create civilizations • Men need to be controlled by absolute sovereignty to avoid brutish behavior

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