“Lord of the Flies,” William Golding’s masterpiece, expertly dissects the basic essence of people by exposing the primitive tendencies hidden under the thin veneer of civilisation. In addition to being a story of survival, the terrifying plunge into chaos that follows the aircraft crash on a remote island is also a reflection on the nature of the human mind. The novel’s conclusion emphasizes the precarious balance between order and anarchy in a way that is both upsetting and illuminating. This article explores the deep layers of this conclusion in an effort to comprehend the complexity of human behavior when social rules are absent.
The effects of the young boys’ unbridled violence are shown in “Lord of the Flies”‘ finale. Ralph, who started off as the democratic leadership and voice of reason, now finds himself being pursued like a prey. In addition to serving as a story element, Golding’s depiction of Ralph’s predicament serves as a metaphor for the difficulties of being the only voice of reason in a chaotic world.
The tribal rites performed by Jack and his followers stand in stark contrast to the relentless search for Ralph. The ascent of Jack to power is representative of the attraction of authoritarian authority, when intimidation and force are used as instruments of control. The lads’ quick plunge into barbarism, which culminated in their desire to murder Ralph, exemplifies how quickly the narrow line between order and chaos may be crossed.
A moving premonition of the novel’s conclusion may be found in Simon’s previous encounter with the Lord of the Flies, represented by the pig’s head on a pole. The head, a representation of the lads’ slide into savagery, communicates with Simon and foretells impending conflict. The last chapters solidify Golding’s examination of the idea that the beast is not an outside thing but rather resides within each person. The real threat is not some impending danger, but rather the innate evil that lurks inside each of us and waits for a chance to manifest.
Conclusion:
The conclusion of “Lord of the Flies” provides evidence of the frailty of civilisation and the simplicity with which people might descend into a condition of primordial behavior. The moral of Golding’s story emphasizes the value of civic society principles, self-awareness, and understanding. The sudden appearance of the naval commander at the conclusion emphasizes the glaring contrast between the lads’ feral condition and the society they left behind. Ralph’s tears aren’t only for his own redemption; they’re also a melancholy recognition of how far mankind may go if it’s not stopped.
The dangers that may be hiding within each of us are reflected in Golding’s book, which acts as a mirror. It highlights the value of social institutions and the function of leadership in maintaining order. The climax of “Lord of the Flies” is not only a wrap-up to a compelling story; it is also a deep remark on the state of humanity, reminding us of the ongoing conflict between our inclinations as primates and the aspirations of civilization.
References:
- “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding was published in 1954 by Faber & Faber.
- J. Baker (1988). “Lord of the Flies'” The Rise and Fall of Civilization by William Golding.” Modern writing.
- Gregor and Kinkead-Weekes (2002). The study “William Golding: A Critical Study” Firmer and Firmer.
- Boyd, S. (1988). “The Novels of William Golding” It’s Holmes & Meier.
