In The Lord of the Flies, Golding explores the theme of civilization. Based on evidence throughout the excerpt, what tension exists between the boys' ideas about civilization and t... In The Lord of the Flies, Golding explores the theme of civilization. Based on evidence throughout the excerpt, what tension exists between the boys' ideas about civilization and their behavior toward one another?
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Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the tensions that exist in the novel 'Lord of the Flies' between the boys' ideals of civilization and their actual behavior towards each other. It requires analyzing the text to identify specific examples of how their actions contradict their stated beliefs or desires for a civilized society.
Answer
The tension is the boys' desire for order versus their primal instincts that lead to savagery.
The core tension in Lord of the Flies is between the boys' desire for order and civility and their primal instincts towards savagery. While they initially attempt to create rules and systems, their descent into violence reveals the fragile nature of civilization.
Answer for screen readers
The core tension in Lord of the Flies is between the boys' desire for order and civility and their primal instincts towards savagery. While they initially attempt to create rules and systems, their descent into violence reveals the fragile nature of civilization.
More Information
Golding uses the boys' rapid descent into savagery to suggest that civilization is not inherent but rather a construct that can easily be lost when people are faced with survival and their basic instincts.
Tips
A common mistake is focusing solely on external conflicts without recognizing the internal struggle between the boys' civilized ideals and their savage impulses.
Sources
- Civilization & Savagery in Lord of the Flies by William Golding - study.com
- Lord of the Flies The struggle to build civilization Quotes - SparkNotes - sparknotes.com
- Civilization Theme in Lord of the Flies - LitCharts - litcharts.com
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