The Flies Survive

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The Flies Survive

        Evil and destructive forces evolve naturally in the course of human nature. In the novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding presents the reader with a society within a group of boys stranded on an island.   Initially, Ralph and Simon are assigned the roles of the protagonists, but as the novel comes to an end only one will reveal his true aspects as a leader.  Ralph and Simon are intrinsically motivated to be good, but the author contrasts their decency by allowing one individual to succumb to evil.  Degeneration is accomplished through characterization because the forces of good are overcome by the forces of evil.  Simon is motivated by his personal desire, while Ralph is motivated by social pressure.

        Throughout the novel, Golding uses characterization to illustrate that the desire to be “good” is naturally guided by morals.  Simon is kind, generous, helpful, and shy.  He also enjoys nature.  He is introduced briefly to the reader attempting to draw as little attention to him as possible.  “…the boy who fainted set up against a palm trunk, and smiled pallidly at Ralph and said that his name was Simon” (22).  Simon was not overly anxious to give orders or express his plans to be rescued to the boys.  Instead, Simon allowed Ralph and Jack, who had the desire to be the leaders, to guide the boys through the steps for a successful rescue.  Simon felt comments were not necessary as he observed Jack’s jealous reaction to Ralph gaining the leadership role.  Simon realized if he did not allow the power-hungry boys to take charge, ordered civilization could not be accomplished.  Simon had the intelligence to know keeping order would allow for survival to be successful.  Golding makes his readers think Simon is a timid individual, but Simon does stand up for what he believes whenever he feels it is absolutely necessary.  Simon is not strong or forceful in approaching the protagonist role as the character Ralph is.  At the same time, he does not allow for everyone to take advantage of his easy going attitude.  Simon uses his moral standards.

Expressing personal opinions, even when others do not have the same feelings, illustrates a strong personal standard.  The novel begins as the boys struggle to develop a plan to be rescued on the island.  Simon's natural instinct to be optimistic is a major factor in preserving the order of civilization.  To illustrate how quickly the situation began to unravel, Piggy made a comment as the boys were discussing the fire.  Jack responded with an unnecessary and insulting remark in an attempt to humiliate Piggy.  “A fat lot you tried,” said Jack contemptuously.  “You just sat” (42).  Simply by reflecting on the choice of Piggy’s name, the readers realize immediately that he is overweight. Golding utilizes Piggy’s appearance to illustrate Jack’s barbaric character, which contributes to the chaos and breakdown of the civilization.  Conversely, Simon attempts to defuse the hostility and announces to the group of boys how they would not even be fortunate enough to have a fire without the contributions of Piggy. “We used his specs,” said Simon, smearing a black cheek with his forearm.  “He helped that way” (42).  Simon did not stand up and shout at Jack, but instead he used a calm and collected approach representative of his moral convictions.

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        Golding describes how Simon is almost the exact opposite of Jack.  Jack is tall, thin, and anxious to do daring and adventurous activities.  Readers would imply that Jack would be the hero and keep order in the civilization with his manly attributes.  However, Simon chooses to rise above his naturally timid personality and cooperate with the leader’s orders.  Ralph, as the elected leader, was setting the rules and making suggestions.  He informed the boys they were going to have to determine if the land they were stranded on was indeed an island.  Every boy readily agreed to search over the island.  However, Ralph only wanted ...

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