Civilization vs. Savagery Essay

Counterpoint is a common literary device used by many authors in a diverseness of forms of literature. It gives the work contrast and interest as well as a diverse insight into two completely different ideas or opposites. The main differ presented in William Goldings Lord of the Flies would be the idea of civilization vs. barbarousness. This motif is presented throughout the unused. The idea that macrocosm are constantly battling their feral instincts and school ideals is a theme that is deeply and extensively explored. Golding acquaints civilization with good, and savagery with evil. He uses symbolic characters and objects in rules of order to convey his themes and ideas. He represents the opposing forces of civilization and savagery with the two main characters Ralph, the protagonist, who represents order and leadership and Jack, the antagonist, who represents savagery and the desire for power. Among these characters there are many others who react to the conflict in differe nt ways. The conflict in the midst of these opposites is the driving force of the novel.When it comes down to the idea of civilization, Golding implies that civilization is something forced upon humans by society, and not something one is instinctively drawn to. Civilization is merely unspoilt a mask of ones instincts. Ralph is the perfect example of the desire for civilization among the boys of the island. He expresses this quality when he states, Weve got to have rules and obey them. After all, were not savages. Were English, and the English are best at everything (Golding 2.192). The boys still desire their previous, ordered life they left back in England. Ralph is the symbol of supressing ones innate savage instincts, he feels the thrill and exhilaration of barbarity but manages to subdue these spirits. Piggy is also an example of the human take for civilization. Not once in the novel does he display savage feelings or undertones. This shows just how badly the human race str ives for civilization, but it is not something organic.The counterpoint to the idea of civilization in Lord of the Flies would be the theme of savagery. Golding seems to suggest throughout the novel that a humans savage instincts are far more powerful then the desire for civilization. The perfect character to acquaint to the theme of savagery would be Jack. Jack thrives off of dominance and power. He exemplifies these traits during the make of Simon The sticks fell and the mouth of the juvenile circle crunched and screamed. The animate being was on its knees in the center, its arms folded over its face. It was crying out against the abominable noise something about a body on the hill. The beast struggled forward, broke the ring and fell over the steep edge of the rock to the sand by the water. At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore. There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws. (Gold ing 9.89-99)The boys revert to their instinctive ferocious roots, having no mercy on their fellow human. They cruelly murder Simon as if he were a wild animal. Roger is also a good example of savagery in the novel. As the idea of civilization on the island begins to have a distant memory, Roger lets himself become victim of his most basic human instincts. This is first apparent to the reader when Roger throws rocks at the littluns, and after his murder of the pig which was much more brutal then necessary. Roger is also the leading culprit in the loss of Piggy. He was the one who pushed the boulder down the hill inevitably create Piggys death. While Jack feeds off the idea of power, Roger revolves around causing pain. He symbolizes the sadistic instincts of mankind, and having to suppress the desire to hurt others in order to function in society.William Golding uses counterpoint to his advantage in the writing of his novel Lord of the Flies. He clearly expresses the conflict betwe en the complex human need for civilization and mankinds savage instincts. He expresses the struggle extensively using the characters in the novel to portray both sides. Savages vs. those who struggle to keep civility. The novel deeply explores the concept of human instincts overpowering ones facade of civilization put on for the rest of society. How, when left up to their own devices, humans are capable of doing the unthinkable.Works CitedGolding, William. Lord of the Flies. London Faber and Faber, 1954.