Lines of Argument Flashcards
(10 cards)
Ralph
Golding presents Ralph as a symbol of democracy, while also using his character flaws to illustrate how even the most determined and righteous people have the potential for evil if they do not have the boundaries of civilisation, emphasising his belief in the inexorable evil of humanity.
Jack
Golding presents Jack as a cruel and ambitious character, illustrating how power can be corruptive in the wrong hands and warning against allowing dictatorial leaders to gain control.
Piggy
Golding presents Piggy as a logical and rational character, representative of intellectualism, to illustrate the damage which can be done when such intellectuals are not listened to or accepted in society.
Simon
Golding uses Simon to represent goodness and purity, contrasting him against the violent acts of the other boys to explore the duality of man and the ultimate conflict between our potential for good and evil.
Roger
Golding uses Roger to illustrate the true depths of evil which can be reached without the bounds of society, highlighting the needs for societal limits.
Civilisation vs Savagery
Golding suggests that human nature consists of the conflict between morality and the desire for civilisation, and the inclination towards our more selfish and primal instincts, and that without the boundaries of law and society, we naturally revert to savagery and cruelty.
Power
Golding demonstrates the different power dynamics to explore the relationship between fear and respect in relation to power, as well as how those is power often do not deserve it, prompting his readers to ensure that they are being ruled by someone worthy, and to not let themselves be governed by fear.
Fear
Golding presents fear as one of the driving forces behind the boys’ descent into savagery, as well as a tool used to further the agendas of characters such as Jack and Roger, criticising those who control others through fear.
Innocence
Nature
Golding presents nature as a victim to the destructive whims of humans.
