Lord Of The Flies Disadvantages

There are many ways to succeed in any field, and countless aspects that contribute to achievement. Those who try extra hard or are especially proactive are more likely to fulfill their goals, but effort is not the only factor of success. People born with an advantage in life, whether because of their race, gender, or class, have a much better chance at success, and can achieve more with less effort. It is easier for them to get an education, win the trust and admiration of others, and flourish in many realms of society. All of the boys on the island in The Lord of the Flies are wealthy, white, English, private-schooled males, making them very advantaged. However, William Golding reveals that privilege is a disadvantage when one is introduced
When Piggy mentions the possibility that the pilot could be on the island, Ralph dismisses it, saying, “He must have flown off after he dropped us...he’ll be back all right” (8). The children are so used to being dependent on adults, it seems impossible that one could die and leave the rest completely alone. It is more plausible to them that the pilot dropped them for safety and would return to pick them up. Ralph, like the rest of the boys, has always lived with little responsibility, so he assumes some figure of authority will show up to take action. His reassuring words may not be as convincing to the reader, but to Ralph and Piggy, who are young and used to a life where everything is taken care of, it seems like a reasonable thought. Instead of being productive and starting to take charge of the island themselves, they wait for someone else to take the responsibility, even though there is no one there. What was an advantage in civilization is a disadvantage on the island, since it leads them to less productivity. Once they all realize the pilot will not return, Ralph suggests another possibility: his dad will save them since he
The conch that was meant to create rule and order ends up enabling the opposite, because it represents power. All of the children, especially the older ones, want power and think it is their right to have it since they are very privileged. To decide on a chief for the island, they hold a vote, and it is almost unanimously decided that Ralph should lead. In the middle of the vote, someone says, “‘Let him be chief with the trumpet-thing.’ Ralph raised a hand for silence” (22). Even though no one had been officially elected yet, Ralph already had the power to order silence because he had the conch. Ralph assumes he has a right to the power, and convinces others of it. His assumption is dangerous to their society because it is risky to select a leader with no reason but a shell they are holding. His sense of entitlement could lead to a bad chief and a bad life for everyone on the island. Later, the strict rule about only talking with the conch is mostly ignored, but still somewhat in place. It continues to cause trouble among the boys, especially when they are discussing matters on which they disagree. When Jack argues with Ralph about who should hunt the beast, Ralph says, “‘You haven’t got the conch...sit down.’ Jack’s face went so white the freckles showed as clear, brown flecks. He licked his lips and remained standing” (102). Jack’s violent nature is revealed when his