A lord of the flies essay based on William Golding’s novel should be a reflection of social realism that exists in society. A small group of English lads are stranded on an island. Circumstances lead them to behave in a savage manner that would not be so common to see in a civilized society. It starts with the boys forming a society to help each other. One of them named Ralph is nominated leader, but Jack has other ideas and instigates some of the others to revolt. The boys resort to savage means and turn against each other. Eventually, Simon is killed by the boys while a hunting dance is in progress, while Piggy is killed a little later.
A critical essay would try to analyze why rules set by society are broken by individuals. Different people react differently to situations that have been forced on them. They are influenced by rational and emotional reactions. The beast in man just waits to come out. When circumstances allow this to happen as is the case with the boys on the island, savagery is demonstrated in a way that would surprise civilized society.
Though this novel was written as a work of fiction, psychology essays could be written on this topic. Leadership is a quality that best works in a system that endorses discipline and a willingness to learn. Ralph and Jack are naturally dominant in nature. It is quite evident to the other boys who vote to elect a leader. Initially, all is well as social behavior norms the boys have picked up from childhood prevent them from reacting violently towards each other. As soon as the election is over, the boys take sides. Jack has a loyal choir group following him, while Ralph is a natural leader. There is jealousy, hatred, violence, sheer disrespect for others, and idleness displayed as the story takes shape.
Humans crave for identity. The story shows how the boys form a hunter group and a separate non hunter group. Ralph’s group forms the non-hunter group. What it signifies is that even under extreme provocation, there are some boys who desist from savagery. Chasing after a non existing demon, the hunter group members expose themselves to violence and actually kill Simon, taking him for the demon. They become savages and raid Ralph’s camp to get Piggy’s glasses to start a fire. You could actually write a criticism essay on this highlighting the feeble limits that society has provided before people start breaking the law.
It is very easy to write custom essays on human behavior. People give in to all sorts of temptations and pressure before reacting in a certain way. If you were to visit an essay bank, you would get several essays written on different aspects of the novel. The lord of the flies essay is symbolic of the demon that exists within us. Under provocation, it comes out and makes us react in a way that would astonish others. Giving into this side of us is not expected, and we have to try and curb those instincts. Society has to continue playing a bigger role in this.
