Civilisation versus Savagery

• What is the central concern of Lord of the Flies?

  The conflict between the instinct to live by rules and the instinct to gratify immediate desires
• How does Golding express the conflict in Lord of the Flies?

  Through the themes of civilization versus savagery and good versus evil
• What does Golding associate with the instinct of civilization?

  Good
• What does Golding associate with the instinct of savagery?

  Evil
• What are the two main characters in Lord of the Flies and what do they represent?

  • Ralph: Represents order and leadership
  • Jack: Represents savagery and the desire for power
• How does Golding portray the influence of civilization and savagery on different characters?


  Different characters feel the influences to varying degrees
• Which character has no savage feelings in Lord of the Flies?

  Piggy
• Which character seems barely capable of comprehending the rules of civilization?

  Roger
• What does Golding imply about the instinct of savagery compared to civilization?

  Savagery is more primal and fundamental to the human psyche
• How does Golding view moral behavior in relation to civilization?

  As something civilization forces upon the individual
• What does Golding imply happens when people are left to their own devices?

  They naturally revert to cruelty and savagery
• What symbols express the idea of innate human evil in Lord of the Flies?

  • The beast
  • The sow’s head on the stake
• Which character seems to possess innate goodness in Lord of the Flies?

  Simon