preview

The Responses Of Fear In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

Decent Essays

In 1950, the British mathematician and philosopher Bertrand Russell once stated, “To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.”. During the same time, the world was gripped by the fear of communism and the possibility of nuclear attacks during the Cold War. Published in 1954, the novel Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, expresses the ramifications of fear in a group of young English boys that have been stranded on an island. Golding explores both the physical and chemical reactions of fear, as well as the connection to communism and how it relates to the dynamic on the island. The response to fear begins in a part of the brain called the amygdala, which functions as the threat center. It triggers the fight or flight response. In his novel, Golding uses Ralph to display both of these reactions. For example, Ralph begins to fear Jack after they split into separate tribes. The turmoil within the group leads to a fight amongst the two boys, “They met with a jolt and bounced apart. Jack swung with his fist and caught him on the ear. Ralph hit Jack in the stomach and made him grunt.” (207). Rather than let his fear get the best of him, Ralph fights back against Jack to protect himself. In this situation, his brain aids him in quickly and impulsively reacting to what is happening. However, when facing the beast for the first time, Ralph chooses to flee instead, “Ralph found himself taking giant strides among the ashes… Presently the mountain was deserted, save for three

Get Access