7-9

The theme of human nature plays a predominate role in Golding’s novel The Lord of The Flies. In chapters four to six this theme is initially noted in the conflict between Jack and Ralph; this theme is further developed in the separation of the tribe and the eventual death of Simon.

From the beginning of chapter seven the boys are immediately seen as being more brutal and inhumane. Ralph actually decides to go on the hunt with Jack and his troop. This is unusual for Ralph’s character as he is usually contrasting not complementing Jack. One of the most startling incidents in the seventh chapter was when the boys almost kill Robert while reenacting the hunt. Again Ralph takes part in this “savagery” (Golding 111); the author does this to further his point about human nature. In this case he is stating that while one might be able to mask their true nature, but they will never be able escape it. Near the end of chapter seven the boys site the figure of the downed fighter pilot. This is again significant because Golding is using the secondary plot of World War II to further his point of human nature. Simons sighting of what he describes to be “a large, shadowy form with the shape of a giant ape” (113) sets off hysteria within the tribe and eventually leads to the separation.

Later in the novel after a massive hunt a sow is caught and her head placed on a pike in the clearing that the character Simon frequents. Possibly the most surreal moment in the novel follows when the head of the sow speaks to Simon in “the voice of the lord of the flies” (Golding 121) telling him that he cannot escape him and that he is in everyone. It is at this moment that Golding basically comes out and dictates his intended theme to the reader. Later on the boys viciously mistake Simon for the monster as he tries to relate what he has learnt about the beast and what is within them.

It almost seems that Golding could have ended the novel at this time and his idea concerning true human nature could be effectively related. I know that I will be watching in the last three chapters to see how this idea is further developed.