It is known that if humans were left alone to fend for themselves, they will revert to the savage roots their ancestors. I read two novels that insure this fact.
The first novel is the “Lord of the Flies” written by William Golding, that talks about a group of English school boys, ages between five to twelve, stocked in a tropical island, when their plane crashed and all the adults were killed. They tried to set laws or a hierarchy where:
- Ralph was the boss, or the leader, because he was wise, but as time passed, he started to lose his wisdom, and logic. I think that he symbolizes the government in our modern societies, because he wanted to satisfy the wishes of his friends (the public).
- Piggy was the indolent, and overweight, but at the same time he was the most intelligent .He know that they must set up rules in order to prevent savagery. I think that he symbolizes civilization.
- Jack was the aggressive leader; I think that he symbolizes evil.
- Roger was so mysterious and savage. He showed us how much humans can become savage without rules.
Unfortunately savagery defeats order in this novel, maybe because the writer wanted to clarify the governments try to control the public by
the rules and regulations that they set, as much as they can, but human actions are still uncontrolled. Society holds everyone together, without its conditions and rules, our ideas, and values will be lost, and savagery can control our minds.
The second novel is “Heart of Darkness” written by Joseph Conrad. Tells the story of Marlow, a sailor, who had traveled upriver in the Congo. Where unusual things has happened, so he is describing his trip that took several months to his friends, and the effect it had upon him. He was working in Continental trading company that have hired him as a steamboat captain between the outer and interior station to visit Kurtz who is a successful agent, but he was savage more than the natives themselves. (He placed human heads atop poles surrounding his station house.)
I think that Kurtz represent the human dark side and what can happen when it envelop you completely. When Kurtz traveled to the Congo he has removed all the ties of civilization, his journey represented a trip in the human spirit. As Marlow was searching on Kurtz, he was learning more about himself, he discovered that he has more in common with the natives.
I the conclusion I want to say that everyone has a dark side, but some people can conceal it more than others. A thin shell separates us from savagery. Those two novels showed us what would happen when this thin shell falls away.
