“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding is a profound novel that delves into the inherent darkness within human nature and the fragile veneer of civilization. Through its narrative, Golding explores themes of order, chaos, and the thin line separating civilized behavior from savagery. This article examines some of the key quotes about civilization in “Lord of the Flies,” analyzing their significance and the insights they provide into the human condition.
Key Quotes and Their Analysis
- “We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English, and the English are best at everything.”
- Context: This quote is spoken by Jack Merridew in the early stages of the boys’ attempt to establish order on the island.
- Analysis: This statement reflects the boys’ initial belief in the superiority and infallibility of English civilization. It underscores their desire to cling to societal norms and rules. Ironically, Jack, who later becomes the epitome of savagery, is the one advocating for rules, highlighting the thin veneer of civilization that quickly deteriorates.
- “The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.”
- Context: This occurs during the climax of the novel when Piggy is killed, and the conch is shattered.
- Analysis: The conch symbolizes law, order, and structured society. Its destruction signifies the complete breakdown of civilization on the island. With the conch gone, any remaining semblance of order disintegrates, plunging the boys into chaos and savagery.
- “The thing is – fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream. There aren’t any beasts to be afraid of on this island
Serve you right if something did get you, you useless lot of cry-babies!”
- Context: Jack addresses the other boys, dismissing their fears of the mythical “beast.”
- Analysis: This quote highlights the conflict between rationality and irrational fear. Despite Jack’s initial dismissal of the beast, his acknowledgment of fear plays a significant role in his later manipulation of the boys, using their primal fears to control them. It shows how fear undermines civilization, leading to irrational and savage behavior.
- “The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.”
- Context: Ralph reflects on the deteriorating situation on the island.
- Analysis: Ralph’s realization signifies the erosion of the societal structures they tried to establish. The “understandable and lawful world” represents civilization, which is gradually being overshadowed by chaos and savagery. This encapsulates the central theme of the novel: the fragility of civilization.
- “Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are what they are?”
- Context: The Lord of the Flies speaks to Simon during his hallucination.
- Analysis: This quote reveals the novel’s core message that the “beast” is not an external force but a manifestation of the boys’ inner savagery. Civilization’s failure on the island stems from this inherent darkness within each boy. The conversation between Simon and the Lord of the Flies underscores the internal struggle between civilized behavior and primal instincts.
- “Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of a true, wise friend called Piggy.”
- Context: This quote occurs at the novel’s conclusion when the boys are rescued.
- Analysis: Ralph’s tears symbolize the profound loss of innocence and the grim reality of human nature. The “darkness of man’s heart” refers to the inherent evil that emerged during their time on the island, despite their initial attempts to maintain civilization. Piggy’s death represents the demise of rationality and wisdom, crucial elements of a civilized society.
“Lord of the Flies” offers a stark examination of the fragile nature of civilization and the ease with which it can disintegrate under pressure. The selected quotes and their analyses highlight the novel’s exploration of order, chaos, and the inherent darkness within humanity. Through these quotes, Golding illustrates how quickly the veneer of civilization can be stripped away, revealing the primal instincts lurking beneath. This timeless narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between civility and savagery, urging readers to reflect on the depths of their own nature and the societal structures that hold it in check.