The Role of Power and Corruption in Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)

The Role of Power and Corruption in Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)

Expanding the Roles:
Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel that explores the descent into savagery of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island. Initially, they attempt to create a society with rules, but as power struggles develop, their attempts at civilization fall apart. The novel explores the effects of power, human nature, and the tension between civilization and savagery. For literature students, Lord of the Flies offers a critical examination of human nature and the impact of power on group dynamics.

  • Power and the Corruption of Leadership:
    The novel portrays how the boys’ desire for power corrupts their sense of morality, leading them to abandon their attempts at civility. Students can explore how the lust for power and the breakdown of social structures contribute to violence and chaos.

  • Civilization vs. Savagery:
    The conflict between the rules of civilization and the boys’ innate primal instincts is central to the novel. Students can analyze how Golding uses this conflict to comment on the fragile nature of civilization and the ease with which it can be overturned by human instincts.

What We Learn:
Lord of the Flies teaches literature students about the relationship between power and corruption and the tension between civility and savagery. The novel highlights the inherent darkness in human nature and the challenges of maintaining order in a society devoid of authority