Why did the boys in Lord of the Flies go crazy? William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” tells the story of a group of British boys who are stranded on a deserted island and forced to survive on their own. Over the course of the novel, the boys’ behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent, leading to a tragic conclusion. But why did the boys go crazy? The answer lies in the breakdown of societal norms and the degeneration of their mentality.
Why did the boys in Lord of the Flies go crazy? (Answer)
At the beginning of the book, the young boys attempt to establish a functioning society on the previously uninhabited island. They elect Ralph as their leader and try to create rules and roles for themselves. However, as time passes and their situation becomes more desperate, the boys abandon these civilized ways and embrace a more primitive mentality.
The lack of a strict and functioning society is the primary reason for the boys’ degeneration into primitivity. Without adult supervision or guidance, they are left to their own devices and forced to create rules. This lack of structure leads to a breakdown in their moral compasses, and they begin to behave in ways that would be unthinkable in a functioning society.
The savage boys become increasingly obsessed with hunting and violence, and their behavior becomes increasingly erratic and irrational. This behavior change is best exemplified by the character of Jack, who becomes obsessed with hunting and killing pigs and eventually leads the other boys on a savage hunt for Ralph.
The boys’ descent into primitivity warns of the dangers of societal breakdown. It shows how easily the absence of order and structure can corrupt individuals and how quickly they can turn on each other when left to their own devices.
Furthermore, the boys’ behavior can be seen as a reflection of the darker aspects of human nature. The novel suggests that without the constraints of society, individuals can become selfish, violent, and cruel. The boys’ descent into savagery warns us of the dangers of abandoning the norms and values that bind us as a society.
Who goes crazy in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, Jack is portrayed as one of the characters who goes crazy. Throughout the book, he becomes increasingly obsessed with power and control, ultimately descending into madness. Jack’s desire for dominance and his craving for hunting and violence lead him to abandon reason and civilization. He establishes himself as a ruthless leader, creating chaos among the boys on the island and pushing them further away from their civilized selves. His descent into madness highlights the destructive nature of unchecked power and serves as a stark warning about the darker aspects of human behavior.
How is savagery shown in Lord of the Flies?
Savagery is vividly portrayed in Lord of the Flies through Jack’s chant, “kill the pig, cut her throat, spill the blood.” This powerful and brutal phrase illustrates the boys’ descent into savagery as they become more violent and aggressive in their actions. Golding’s deliberate choice of words emphasizes their lack of empathy or concern for the pig’s suffering, highlighting their growing detachment from civilization and moral values.
Furthermore, as the story progresses, Jack and his followers engage in acts of violence against each other and other creatures on the island. They become obsessed with hunting and killing, reveling in the thrill of inflicting pain. The transformation of Jack’s choirboys into savage hunters symbolizes their regression into primal instincts and a disregard for human decency. Through these chilling portrayals, Golding effectively demonstrates how savagery can consume individuals when removed from societal constraints.
Why are snakes “not mentionable,” especially for Ralph and Jack?
Snakes are considered “not mentionable” for Ralph and Jack because they are the leaders of the boys on the island. As leaders, they are expected to remain calm and composed in front of their followers. Being scared or showing fear would undermine their authority and ability to lead. Therefore, snakes, which are often associated with fear and danger, become a taboo topic for discussion or acknowledgment by Ralph and Jack.
Furthermore, Ralph and Jack must project strength and bravery as leaders to maintain order among the boys. If they were to express fear or vulnerability towards snakes or any other potential threat, it could create panic among the group. To prevent this, Ralph and Jack avoid mentioning snakes altogether in order not to give any indication that they may be afraid. By doing so, they maintain an image of invincibility that reassures the other boys and solidifies their leadership roles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the boys in Lord of the Flies went crazy because they lived in a completely broken society. The lack of structure and order led to a breakdown in their moral compasses. They began to behave increasingly erratically and violently. The novel is a cautionary tale of the importance of maintaining a functioning society and the values that hold us together.