The study examined the difficulties faced by men in different genres during the 20th century. It analyzed works such as William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, T. S Eliot’s The Waste Land, and Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. The results showed that contemporary men experience emotions like detachment, disbelief, abandonment, dissatisfaction, doubtfulness, lack of mental capacity and awareness. Additionally, they feel both reliance and differentiation based on socio-economic status.
The books emphasize the writers’ collective worry about emotional distress in today’s world. The introductory section delves into the various challenges faced by individuals from different genres during the 20th century. After contemplation, it becomes evident that modern individuals experience chaotic lives devoid of peace, filled with uncertainty about achieving success, and caught in a perpetual state of confusion. They lack confidence in altering their circumstances and grapple with finding meaning or importance.
The assignment consists of four sections that examine the situation of modern men in different literary works, including Lord of the Flies, Death of a Salesman, The Waste Land, and Waiting for Godot. In various genres throughout the 20th century, many critics have analyzed the state of modern men, emphasizing their confusion and dissatisfaction.
Various perspectives and thoughts have eloquently portrayed contemporary men’s inability to make timely and sound decisions, as well as their lack of intelligence, confidence, and moral values. Here are some notable examples:
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- Lord of the Flies
- Author: William Golding
- Date of birth: 1911
- Publication of the book: 1954
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- Publicationofthebook :1949
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The Waste Land - Waiting for Godot
- Dateofbirth :1906
- Publicationofthebook :N/A (play)
Published in 1952, Lord of the Flies is a contemporary novel that explores the dilemma faced by modern individuals. The story revolves around Jack, a character who exhibits a strong desire for power. Jack’s prideful and arrogant nature is evident through his defiance of Ralph’s leadership and his attempts to take control himself. Despite his failures, he confidently declares, “I’m going to be chief.” In order to obtain power, he resorts to excessive cruelty and manipulates the other boys by portraying Ralph as a cowardly and unfit leader, encouraging them to reject him and choose a new leader.
In the novel Lord of the Flies, there is a struggle between Jack and Ralph for power. The frustration among several boys is evident. Initially, a group of boys, ranging from five to twelve years old, gather on the beach. They are frustrated by their situation and decide to appoint a leader in the absence of adults. Ralph is chosen as the leader, mainly because he took the initiative to call for a meeting. Jack is disappointed to be excluded, but Ralph comforts him by assigning him and his choir as the soldiers and hunters for the group.
Jack expresses his frustration by teasing Piggy, indicating his hunger for power. This desire for power becomes evident when he is unable to successfully kill a pig. Rather than gracefully accepting the situation, Jack boasts that he will be able to accomplish it in the future. In Lord of the Flies, a lack of discipline is seen among all the characters. Ralph’s leadership evolves into a society with rules and the practice of only allowing the individual holding the conch to speak during meetings.
However, Ralph, Jack, and Piggy each have different perspectives on the purpose of the rules they develop. Ralph’s perspective is rational and centered on ideas of justice. He believes that rules will enable the boys to live fairly together, aligning with his democratic mindset. On the other hand, Jack sees rules as a way to exercise control and inflict punishment, reflecting his dictatorial nature and inclination towards violence. As for Piggy, being the most intelligent among them, he considers rules to be useful tools for survival.
He examines the behavior of the ‘boys’ on the island with regard to its potential impact on their rescue. This passage describes an endeavor to conduct a civilized meeting and make a collective decision to create a fire that could draw the attention of passing ships. However, the attempt to organize a democratic assembly fails due to the boys’ lack of discipline. Even the seemingly simple task of starting a fire proves challenging as they do not possess a matchbox and must resort to archaic methods of using a lens from an eye glass to focus sunlight.
When the fire started, the boys continuously added wood to it, causing the jungle to catch fire. Golding’s message is that true freedom requires restraining our primal urges and maintaining control. The boys lacked this essential restraint, and their inherent savagery started to emerge. This breakdown in discipline resulted in a power struggle between Ralph and Jack. Ralph expressed his frustration to Jack about the lack of discipline among most of the boys and their disinterest in important projects.
They initially enjoy the discussions, but eventually their thoughts diverge. The comparison between Jack and Ralph highlights Jack’s aggressiveness and lack of morals, as opposed to Ralph who focuses on building huts to improve their living conditions. Ralph understands that society’s role is to ensure that everyone has access to food and shelter, a realization that eludes Jack. Golding further explores Jack’s obsession with hunting, revealing that it is not simply an innate ability, but a skill he continues to hone throughout the story.
The reasons behind Jack’s hunting are disturbing as he hunts not just for food but also for enjoyment. Golding implies that there is something dangerous about Jack’s obsession; he comes close to madness when discussing his desire to kill. Although not ready to take a life yet, Jack is nearing the point where he can cause fatal harm to another creature, whether it be a pig or a person. Ralph astutely acknowledges this trait and reminds Jack that their main focus should be building a shelter.
The text suggests that Jack’s fixation on hunting hinders the boys’ survival prospects, hinting at modern men’s struggle to convey their thoughts and emotions. Consequently, the boys attempt to share their feelings but struggle with effective communication. This leads to mounting frustration and growing animosity among them. The text ultimately reveals the difficulty of governing human beings, particularly in democratic societies where everyone has the freedom to voice their opinions and pursue separate paths.
Ralph, in his early stages of learning about governance, finds the democratic system to be slow and frustrating. An example of this can be seen when the boys initially show enthusiasm for building huts but quickly lose interest. This mirrors the irresponsibility demonstrated by modern men in Lord of the Flies. Although the boys’ ultimate objective is to be rescued from the island, they display a total lack of responsibility in this area. The group led by Jack, who were entrusted with maintaining the fires, neglect their duty and wander off into the forest.
When Ralph and Piggy spot a ship on the horizon, they are horrified to discover that the fire on the mountain has gone out. In a frantic rush, Ralph, Piggy, and the other boys attempt to reignite the fire, but their efforts prove futile as it is already too late. Simultaneously, we witness a transformation in Jack’s character as he becomes consumed by a thirst for bloodshed and violence. Although Jack originates from a civilized English society, much like the other boys on the island, he becomes increasingly drawn to the act of spilling blood. Initially, he believes in establishing rules to govern the community of boys residing on the island. However, over time, he descends into savagery and finds pleasure in hunting and killing pigs, frequently discussing his hunts.
The character is frequently locked in a dogged pursuit of pigs. His delight in killing pigs becomes his preferred pastime, and he takes joy in it by chanting, “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.” He even baptizes himself with the blood of a slaughtered pig, leading the boys who follow him into a life of bestiality and extreme violence. He harshly punishes those who refuse to obey his commands. His relentless cruelty is evident in his role in the death of Simon, his torture of Samneric to join him, and his hunt for Piggy, treating him like a pig before ultimately killing him as well.
The modern age is characterized by disorder and chaos. In the novel Lord of the Flies, we witness Ralph’s attempt to hold a meeting, which quickly descends into chaos. Jack consistently opposes the established rules, prompting the boys to delight in confusion as they scream and laugh. Additionally, Jack persistently bullies Piggy, undermining Ralph’s efforts to impose order. Ultimately, most of the boys abandon Ralph’s leadership and follow Jack, leading to further disorder and chaos. Thus, we observe a similar situation of disorder in this instance. Furthermore, depression and desolation are additional predicaments faced by contemporary individuals.
We discover that Ralph is feeling low due to his inability to effectively lead and impose order among the boys, causing him to contemplate stepping down from his position. Yet, Piggy and Simon offer him reassurance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his role. Despite their support, Ralph remains despondent as he observes the boys continuing their chaotic dancing and chanting until exhaustion drives them to retire to their tents for the night. It is crucial to recognize the significance of the assembly, where the boys convene to address their issues. The younger boys, known as the littluns, have reported sightings of a mysterious beast, causing them sleepless nights.
There are various approaches to solving the problem, but Ralph is alone in his stance. All of them go against the rules, causing Ralph to feel a great sense of loneliness and desolation. Ralph’s character embodies isolation. The clash between Ralph and Jack becomes evident as Ralph asserts his role as the leader, only for the boys to accept Jack’s offer instead. This results in Ralph being isolated and unable to take any action. He even asks, “Who will join my tribe?” Ralph’s sudden movement turns into a stumble, catching the attention of some of the boys. However, Jack dismisses Ralph’s concerns by saying, “I provided you with food, and my hunters will protect you from the beast.”
Who will join my tribe? The division between Jack and his group and Ralph with the leftovers is now officially acknowledged. Ralph is powerless in the face of ruthless power which pushes him into a corner and exposes his impotence. Piggy, the intellectual, who can see through the power game, is the only person who remains with Ralph. But now it’s a two-member gang that poses no challenge to Jack’s hunters. Essentially, both Ralph and Piggy are exiled from the group. Ralph becomes completely isolated when all his companions leave, including Piggy who is crushed under the boulder.
The second section of Death of a Salesman explores the dilemma faced by modern men and portrays their uncertainty and confusion. Willy Loman, the protagonist, is characterized as lacking clarity in his life and discontented. Throughout the play, he often finds himself bewildered and goes on long drives without taking breaks, all in pursuit of a better future. In the opening scene, Linda shows great concern for Willy’s well-being and asks him upon his return, “Don’t you feel well?” to which he responds with exhaustion, saying “I’m exhausted to death.”
The passage depicts the protagonist’s life as uncertain and plagued by illness. He frequently ponders various aspects of life, such as his family and the future. At times, he becomes deeply immersed in a world of imagination. He confesses to Linda, “I suddenly realize that I am driving at sixty miles per hour and cannot remember the past five minutes. I…I find it difficult to focus.” Once again, we witness the prevalent lack of knowledge among contemporary individuals regarding attaining success. Throughout the play, Willy advises his two sons, Biff and Happy, that popularity is the key to success and only requires “a smile and a shoeshine.”
Willy believes that popularity and the ability to be liked by others are crucial for success in life. He argues that good academic performance does not guarantee success in business. Willy emphasizes the significance of appearance, suggesting that those who make a positive impression in the corporate world are the ones who thrive. Rather than encouraging his sons to prioritize education, Willy values outward appearance, particularly in his son Biff. He expresses this sentiment to his wife Linda, saying “You want him to be like Bernard? He has spirit, personality…” This example underscores Willy’s conflicting beliefs.
The character in Death of a Salesman gives conflicting advice to Biff. First, he suggests dressing professionally and speaking minimally without jokes, but then tells him not to be too modest. This inconsistency reveals his lack of understanding about success and his desire for control over every aspect of life. It also emphasizes the decline of moral values in society. As a father, Willy Loman offers misguided advice to his sons, such as cautioning teenage Biff about relationships with women.
Don’t make any promises. This mindset is embraced by his sons as well. During their teenage years, Biff is observed by Linda as being “too rough with the girls”, a behavior that is influenced by Willy. We see Willy once again endorsing Biff’s theft, as Biff eventually develops a compulsion for stealing and takes a football from his coach’s locker room. Instead of reprimanding him for this act, Willy finds it amusing and even suggests that the coach may commend Biff’s initiative. In fact, Willy consistently encourages his sons to engage in theft.
In today’s society, there is a lack of moral values among modern men. This is evident through the prevalence of exaggeration and boastful behavior. The character of Willy in Death of a Salesman exemplifies these traits. In one instance, Willy boasts about his sons, urging them to go to various stores and mention his name to see the benefits they receive. He firmly believes that his son Biff’s success is solely dependent on his outward appearance and frequently exaggerates his achievements. This illustrates the misconception held by modern men. Willy himself has a warped understanding of life and struggles to maintain genuine friendships. His closest friend, Charley, often provides financial assistance, loaning him money every week to help cover his bills. Despite Charley’s attempts to guide Willy towards a better path, offering him a decent job, Willy takes offense and rejects the offer. This highlights Willy’s misguided perception of friendship. Ultimately, it becomes evident that money holds the most importance among modern men.
We observe that Willy envies his brother Ben, who is a successful man while Willy is not. A desire for wealth is another trait in Willy’s personality. He believes that having a large sum of money can make someone great. He introduces his sons to Ben, referring to him as “a great man!” In contemporary society, many individuals have high hopes for themselves, but if they fail, they become frustrated. In Death of a Salesman, Willy displays an overwhelming confidence in Biff’s future success. He asserts, “There’s no question, no question at all.” However, Biff confesses that he is a “nothing,” a complete failure.
Willy becomes extremely frustrated and visits his boss Howard to ask for a job in New York, stating that he cannot afford his insurance. However, instead of granting him a job, Howard fires him, adding to Willy’s frustration. This situation highlights how modern individuals often struggle to make sound decisions in a timely manner. Despite his circumstances, Willy chooses to prioritize his family’s well-being over exploring other options. Moving on to the third section, “The Waste Land” is a significant poem from the 20th century that delves into the challenges faced by modern individuals. It explores themes such as the loss of faith and moral values among contemporary society.
In ancient times, faith served as the primary source of inspiration for life and achievements, with a strong belief in Christian values. Tradition played a significant role in emphasizing the importance of contemporary behavior, and older individuals were held in high regard. However, present-day values have undergone a transformation. Money has become the dominant deity for modern society, while older individuals are frequently despised. Attendance at church by Christians has become a mere routine, reflecting the loss of faith and moral values within contemporary individuals. Additionally, modern individuals lack meaningful human connections, which were highly valued in the past, especially within the joint family system. Instead, people have become self-centered and egoistic in today’s world.
Each person is focused on their own self-interest and how they can benefit at the expense of others. The key of human sympathy and brotherhood has been lost, as we are confined to our own prisons. This mental tension is evident in modern individuals, as studies by psychologists show that the majority of people are not mentally healthy. The stresses and anxieties of modern life lead to various mental illnesses. When faced with difficult situations, individuals feel tense and frustrated. Additionally, sex also becomes a cause of tension and despair.
In the second section titled “A Game of Chess,” the poet explores themes of sexual intrigue and perversion. The Lady of Situation, a woman belonging to high society, is unsatisfied with her own life and has become highly neurotic. Her lover is also mentally exhausted and describes their situation as being in a place where dead men have lost their bones. Similarly, Lil has lost interest in life and is unable to satisfy her husband’s increasing sexual desires. Her abortion has negatively impacted her health, leaving her physically and mentally shattered. She appears worn-out, resembling an antique. She attributes her condition to the pills she took to induce the abortion.
The Chemist affirmed it would be fine, but I have never been the same since. The poet depicts an uneventful and meaningless routine for the average man and woman: “The hot water at then. And if it rains, a closer car at four. And we shall play a game of chess, Pressing lidless eyes and waiting for a knock upon the door.” In fact, contemporary individuals lack knowledge on how to pass the time. This lack adds to the tension. The immense power held by politicians is a significant factor in the breakdown of modern society. These politicians can wage war against other nations without seeking approval from their own populace.
Through their actions, individuals have the power to inflict immense suffering upon their fellow citizens. War affects millions of people, both directly and indirectly, forcing them to become refugees in search of basic necessities like food and shelter. The plaintive cries of these displaced individuals resonate throughout the land, creating a desperate atmosphere of despair and anguish. In the context of Waiting for Godot, we encounter characters who embody similar themes of frustration, intellectual deficiencies, lack of self-assurance, a reliance on others, and a pervasive sense of confusion and uncertainty that plagues modern society.
This drama highlights the increasing cruelty in our society today. The wealthy have the power to control and exploit the poor. The poor lack intelligence and awareness, which hinders their confidence and ability to improve their situation. Although they possess intellect, they do not know how to utilize it effectively. Over time, the poor have the potential to unite and support one another, but their lack of knowledge and trust leads them to depend on oppressive rulers.
In this drama, Lucky is physically bound by a rope but shows no inclination to escape or yearn for freedom. The play highlights the societal division between the wealthy and the impoverished. The underprivileged are consistently exploited by the affluent, sacrificing their lives for their masters without receiving any sympathy in return. This inequality stems from the ignorance of the wealthy, who fail to recognize that the poor are God’s finest creation. Consequently, poverty continues to increase among the impoverished while affluence grows among the wealthy.
After the above discussion, we come to a realization of the predicament faced by modern men in various genres of the 20th century. Through different genres, writers depict the alienation, frustration, depression, isolation, uncertainty, loss of moral value, lack of intelligence, and lack of consciousness experienced by modern men. As modern men ourselves, we are deeply interested in understanding and addressing these predicaments as we face numerous problems in our daily lives. By gaining a clear understanding of our own faults or predicaments, we can appropriately address and improve ourselves.
Author:S amuelBeckett
Author:T.S Eliot
Dateofbirth :1888
Publicationofthebook :1922
- Waiting for Godot
Death of a Salesman Author: Arthur Miller Date of birth: 1915
