In reference to his novel Lord of the Flies, William Golding once stated that it was "an attempt to trace the defects of society back to the defects of human nature." Throughout the novel, Golding depicts specific events to give relevance to his statement. Three of the defects he focuses on are: man's abuse of power, man's self-centered motives, and man's destruction of nature.
Both Ralph and Jack held leadership positions at one point in the novel. Although Ralph was a good leader, he still made exceptions for himself from the rules of the society. "And he won't be interrupted. Except by me" (Ralph, p. 33). As chief of the group, Ralph compiled a set of rules to be followed by the group, but he did not have to abide by them. To keep everyone from talking all at once Ralph thought it would be a good idea for only the person with the conch in his hands to speak. This was a good rule, except
Upon landing on the island, the boys found it majestically beautiful. Without civilization, the island was able to flourish. Slowly, the boys destroy the natural beauty of the land. Starting with the mark that plane crash left, the boys continue on from there with destruction. The mountain that once stood with innumerable trees, is left scorched by the fire used for a smoke signal. It is natural for humans to urinate, but the boys just do it anywhere on the island taking away from the scents that once filled the island air. In order to survive the boys pick fruits and kill pigs. When the boys leave the island, it has no resemblance to the land that had been there when they arrived.
With the exception of Simon, the actions the boys take are all based on the desire to improve their own individual positions. In the novel, Ralph is always worried about the fire. While it is true that they nee
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