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Lord Of The Flies Authoritarianism

Decent Essays

In the novel, Lord of the Flies, Golding focuses on a variety of different concepts. More specifically, Lord of the Flies approaches the topic of political issues such as the desire for power and social chaos. There are two different political societies: democratic and authoritarian. This novel concentrates on a democratic environment versus authoritarian. Golding represents these political environments in the forms of Jack and Ralph. There were various symbols and characters to represent these groups. Jack’s character represented the authoritarian perspective of the novel. Ralph and the conch represented the democratic aspect of the novel. Golding created these characters to demonstrate the deeper intentions of these different types of governments. In addition, the author wanted to demonstrate the effects of these environments. Jack and Ralph are represented as two different symbols. Jack is demanding, resembling an authoritarian figure as total power is awarded to him. In addition, Jack’s natural impulse for wanting power and abilities to manipulate the boys’ beliefs contributed to his figure as an authoritarian leader. In comparison, Ralph symbolizes the human instinct to be civil. Ralph desires order and structure as well as the involvement of his fellow mates. During each …show more content…

They don’t accurately represent the effects of these types of societies. In the later chapters of Lord of the Flies there are two distinct groups: Jack’s clan and Ralph’s circle. Roger and the majority of the boys who joined Jack’s clan are limited in their actions and beliefs. Furthermore, the boys in Jack’s tribe resemble mindless zombies as they linger onto Jack’s commands without objection or questions. For example, Jack commanded Roger to tie up Wilfred to torment him. Roger did not question Jack’s intentions. The boys in Jack’s tribe lack independence as they are led by the powerful reigns of

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