Lord of the flies- what are the main themes within the novel

        Civilization is the refinement of thought, manners, and taste in society. It has taken thousands of years for people to become civilized. If we were not, there would be much crime, violence, and hatred among people. Civilization is a common practice today, from something as simple as holding the door open for someone, to as complex as the American economy. In Golding's work, Lord of the Flies a group of young boys ages six to twelve are stranded on a deserted island, and strive to create a civilization among them, to which they use the conch as a very important part of the novel. It is the first item the boys find on the island that would come to be a daily part of their lives. The conch is throughout the book, with the first rule created, to when Simon is murdered Ralph tries to reason with the boys, and when Roger destroys the conch. In William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, the conch represents civilization.

        The conch is part of the first rule created on the island. The children that only the person that holds the conch will be able to speak at meetings. "Let him have the conch!" (35). This quote is shouted by Piggy when the boy with the mulberry colored birthmark attempted to say what he believed about the 'beast'. By making the conch required to be held by the speaker at a meeting the 'littluns' can say what they think, without being interrupted by an older boy. From the start, the children want to have rules so it can be like they were back at home in England. "We got to have rules and obey them" (42). The boys created the rules because they want everybody to feel comfortable on the island, like they are part of their very own civilization.

        After reading any significant portion of the novel, it will become obvious that Piggy and Jack symbolize two opposite extremes of human behavior while Ralph is pulled between these philosophies. Piggy demands adherence to the rules of his auntie while Jack subscribes to the philosophy, "If it’s fun, do it." Ralph empathizes with parts of both sides; that is why he walks the tight rope. Eventually he seems to side with Piggy, but actually Ralph never changes his philosophy— it is Jack and the rest of the boys who become more extreme in theirs (hunting humans, forming their own tribe, etc.). In this way Ralph portrays the role of government in any modern society. While he wants to satisfy the wishes of the public, he must also realize that certain rules of behavior must be followed in order to prevent anarchy.

        In conclusion, In this essay I have discussed only a few of the many themes of civilization which emerge in this exciting novel. Its not until you really read between the lines that you can experience this novel on a more complex level.