lord of the files Essay

Submitted By morganmanwaring
Words: 729
Pages: 3

What are the differences between civilized and savage, and what actions consider one to be civilized or savage? Savage is when one is fierce, violent, and uncontrolled. Civilized is a certain way people act and talk in a society or a place. Lord of the Flies has a variation of examples of civilization vs. savagery from the boys. In this novel humankind is being tested on which one is the most natural civilization or savagery . As the boy’s face this situation of having nothing and no one for guidance, and reassurance they are forced to make decisions for survival. Over time the plot shows many dimensions of some of the group remains civilized as others turn savage. The turning point in the certain individuals is when they realize that their actions are no longer for survival. Jack and Ralph are examples of how one’s mind can turn savage while the other hangs on civilized beliefs during the same situation.

When the matter of hunger becomes a priority to some of the group they resort to the fundamentals of providing food for the group at the expense of the signal fire going out. This in return causes a division within the boys. The argument arises that the group “has got to have rules and they’ve got to obey them they aren’t savages” (Golding,pg. 47). The group decides on an individual level what leader they wish to stand with. This separation continues as they see Jack gaining more power over Ralph. Jack displays his savage side and he expects more respect from the group. “From Jack and the hunters paint their faces, they stole up a pig. Now the whole group can eat” (Golding,pg. 81). The Loyalties to each leader are starting to show the group who choses savagery versus civilized thinking.

With the division of the group many wonder if over time if they continue a civilized lifestyle or will they all become savage. The civilized group try to convince the savages to see the truth and benefits in civilization. One strategy that the civilized group is trying to explain to the others is about making choices. They discuss “which is better to have rules and agree or to hunt and kill”(Golding, pg 199). Jack and the others are still set on ways of being savage. To the few of the civilized boys Jack makes them question if “the world, that understandable and lawful world was slipping away” (Golding, pg 99) from them. The boys show that the civilized ones are constantly trying to redeem the savages back to civilized thinking. Many boys on both sides wonder what makes them a savage, and the civilized group wonder if there is any going back for the savages. As far as civilization is concerned once there are no rules and