Good And Evil In Lord Of The Flies Essay

Lord of the Flies Essay Rough Draft If there wasn’t any type of major civilization, how do you think you would act? Would your human nature take over? Will you be good or evil at heart? Lord of the Flies was written in 1954 by British novelist William Golding. It was based on World War II and his experience with schoolboys and their humanity. Human nature is both good and evil; this is present in the characters Ralph, Jack, and Roger. One way human nature is proven good is through Ralph. Ralph is seen as a diplomatic leader with common sense. “There was the world of longing and baffled commonsense” (71). He also cares about people and their well being. “He was vexed to find how little he thought like a grownup… the island was getting worse” (139). In this quote Ralph blames the island, not the boys, for their behaviors and savagery. Whether it’s the fire or working together, he tries to find a way to be optimistic and hopeful. Ralph consistently has good human nature throughout Lord of the
Jack is a dictator who wants as much power as he can get. He doesn’t want to work with Ralph, but instead makes his own group. He manipulates his people and makes any rules he wants that make him more powerful. He doesn’t care much for people but cares more about himself. “The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness” (64). This quote shows Jack’s transition to his human nature and his disconnection from civilization. Painting his face and hunting brings him and other boys into evil savagery. “No! How could we-kill-it?” (160). “I expect the beast disguised itself” (161). Jack selfishly said this after they killed Simon. He covered up Simon’s murder by blaming it on the beast. Jack tricked his group into thinking Simon’s death was justifiable. Simon’s death was murder, and he didn’t deserve to die in any way. This is how the author proves human nature is evil through