Theme: Power

Theme: Power

Foundation of Power

  • At the start of the novel, power is democratically shared. Ralph is elected leader due to his desirable qualities: competent, reasonable and kind.
  • Initially, everyone agrees on maintaining order and establishing routines, understanding the link between civilised order and survival.

Gradual Shift of Power

  • Ralph’s power begins to fluctuate as his judgements and rules are constantly tested, and support from the boys wanes.
  • The boys’ transition from civilised English schoolboys to savages signifies a shift from democratic leadership to autocratic rule.
  • Jack successfully overthrows Ralph, taking power through intimidation, promised protection and manipulation.

Style of Leadership

  • Ralph leads with reason and democratic discussions, wanting to create a civilised society close to what they left behind.
  • Jack, on the other hand, uses fear and manipulation, relying on physical strength and promised protection against the beast, to lead.

Abuse of Power

  • Jack’s power becomes a tool for satisfying his own desires. He focuses on hunting, neglecting the long-term survival plans.
  • As Jack’s dominance grows, he becomes more tyrannical and cruel, a representation of the abuse of power.

Consequences of Power Struggle

  • The brutal murder of Simon and Piggy is a stark reminder of the dangers of an unchecked power system.
  • Their deaths also symbolise the ultimate loss of innocence and the triumph of savagery, the cost of power struggle.

The Role of Power in Society

  • Power is depicted by Golding as a necessary construct of civilisation, one that can maintain order or create chaos, a narrative shown through Jack’s spiral into tyranny.
  • The novel presents a bleak view of authority and questions whether humans inherently misuse power.

Summary

  • Golding emphasizes the harmful effects of power battles and abuse of authority through the boys’ transformation from innocents into savages.
  • The struggle for power in ‘Lord of the Flies’ mirrors societal power struggles and offers a chilling commentary on the human capacity for destruction.