Rules In William Golding's Lord Of The Flies

Words: 802
Pages: 4

I vividly remember enduring a lengthy berating by my peers in first grade; I told a girl that I didn’t like her bandana. It was never stated, yet everyone knew it was a “rule” to compliment others hideous bandanas, or face the detrimental consequences to your social life. Sixth grade, my math teacher gave me an acute stare, that could drive even my boldest classmates into a timid state, every time I talked during his mundane lectures. Apparently, that behavior was disapproved, for it broke a classroom “rule.” Affecting the way we behave and rationalize, rules have the ability to shape society into a tyrannical state or an anarchic chaos. Essentially, rules are created for a society of a certain population and can only exist with the consent of the governed with the purpose of preventing self destruction of the human race.
Let’s start out with the basic question: “Who makes the rules?” At first glance, the answer seems simple; the government or administration decides certain rules. However, there are many different types of
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This concept is further explored in Lord of the Flies. “‘We’ll have rules!’ [Jack] cried excitedly. ‘Lots of rules! Then when anyone breaks ’em-’ (33).” In the beginning, after Ralph was elected chief, the idea of making rules excites all the boys. Soon, rules, such as the conch gives the holder the power to speak, erupt from the pack of boys and are accepted without hesitation. However, Jack, blinded by the jealousy of Ralph’s position of power, revolts and forms his own clan with new rules. “‘I’ll blow the conch,’ said Ralph breathlessly, “and call an assembly.’ ‘We shan’t hear it[,]’ [said Jack] (151).” Jack’s blatant act of defiance provides evidence to the fact that rules exist only when people want to follow them. Without compliance, rules lose their