parts of society. What features are they, what do they represent and how

Although William Golding's, 'the Lord of the Flies', occurs on an island, many of it's

features clearly represent a microcosm of the society we live in today. Most of these

features are conveyed successfully, yet some are not. This essay will explore the

ways in which William Golding has represented modern western society throughout

the text. Features to be analysed are; Ralph who portrays democracy and logic,

Piggy who represents rationality and intellectualism, a "Christ-like figure"

illustrated by Simon, Jack who signifies savagery and anarchy, the conch which

delivers law and order and the beast which mirrors the evil, sins and darkness of

On the island, democracy and logic is represented by Ralph. Golding describes him

as tall, blonde, attractive and is 'built like a boxer', as is stated in the novel. Ralph is

calm and rational with sound judgement and a strong moral sensibility. His

handsome features and the conch as a symbol of power and order, make him stand

out from the other boys and led to his being proclaimed Chief: "Th

that Piggy has accumulated wisdom that is obviously greater than that of most of

On the island, the evil, sins and darkness of society is represented by the Beast. For

sensible like Ralph is?" "Which is better - to have rules and agree, or to hunt and

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anarchy. "Which is better - to be a pack of painted niggers like you are, or to be

use this (the conch) to call the others. Have a meeting" (p. 22). In the end of the book

stranded children, using the conch to call assemblies and having meetings. "We'll

the fire, Piggy shouts after them, "Acting like a crowd of kids" (p. 50). This shows

to suggest that there is no beast, that, "...maybe it's only us". It is then Simon

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jack Piggy, Ralph Golding, Lord Flies, William Golding, Simon Jack, Lord Flies', William Golding's, novel ralph, successful island, features represent, civilised society, island it's features, evil sins darkness, occurs island it's, represents rationality intellectualism, beginning novel, darkness society, evil sins, sins darkness, golding describes, it's features represent, democracy logic,
Approximate Word count = 1548
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)