Civilization Vs Savagery Analysis

Civilization vs Savagery

Throughout the book there are many symbols for both civilization and savagery, such being the boys and the actions that turn them savage. Civilization versus savagery is the concept of being isolated from society, and creating a new personality in order to survive in the conditions you now live in. The boys are put onto an island where resources are scarce, and they have to fend for themselves without any adults. One example of the little amount of civilization on the island is the conch shell. The conch shell is introduced at the beginning of the story when the boys first get to the island. Ralph uses it to call everyone to the platform, and later uses it to call all of the meetings. “Ralph found his
This is after Simon talks to the “Lord of the Flies”, and finds out that the “beastie” is found in each one of the boys. The “beastie” is the innate evil within every human. The pig’s head “tells” Simon this, and he feels that he should tell the other boys. “Simon’s head wobbled. His eyes were half closed as though he were imitating the obscene thing on the stick. He knew that one of his times was coming on. The Lord of the Flies was expanding like a balloon.” (Golding 143) This is when Simon finally sees the evil on their “Garden of Eden”. He goes to tell the boys, and instead of thanks, he’s greeted by the hunters, and they go on to murder him. The most innocent character is annihilated because the boys are overtaken with the savage personality. They hunted to kill the pigs, and in the end they killed one of their own. “Softly surrounded by a fringe of inquisitive bright creatures, itself a silver shape beneath the steadfast constellations, Simon’s dead body moved out toward the open sea.” (Golding 154) This isn’t the only execution conducted by Jack’s
The conch shell. Piggy is holding the symbol of democracy when he is hit with the boulder. The conch shell breaking is the symbol of all order ending because the savagery has won over the boys. Roger, who is the symbol of all evil, or the devil, breaks the conch letting Jack believe he has won over Ralph. The savagery had already won over the simplicity of innocence, and now it rules over the fact of intelligence as well. “The rock had struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.” (Golding 181) Jack then goes after the person he thinks is his mortal enemy, and who was against him since the beginning. “Viciously, with full intention, he hurled his spear at Ralph. The point tore the skin and flesh over Ralph’s ribs, then sheared off and fell in the water.” (Golding 181) This is the ultimate point of savagery since Jack goes on to set the island on fire.
The difference between civilization and savagery is where the person is, and how they act in said environment. The boys were split with their reactions on the island. Ralph, Piggy, and Simon were very adaptable to the island. Roger, Samneric, Jack, and the other hunters wanted to kill for fun and became savage. As soon as the adults come to get the boys, they go back to being civil for the most part. Jack goes insane, and kills the boys that he came on