Sunday, October 21, 2012

Is the island in Lord of the Flies considered a microcosm?

Yes. A microcosm is essentially a smaller version of something much larger. William Golding uses the uninhabited island as the setting for his novel Lord of the Flies to represent a microcosm of civilization at large. The events that transpire on the island mimic the moral demise of society which is a result of humanity's inherent wickedness. Similar to society at large, the boys attempt to organize themselves by electing a leader, establishing rules, prioritizing tasks, and holding assemblies. As the novel progresses, tensions develop between Jack and his band of hunters, and Ralph and his supporters. Ralph and Jack have drastically different agendas, and the majority of the boys wish to satisfy their carnal desires instead of maintaining a structured society. The "moral fabric" of their society gradually diminishes, and they develop into savage barbarians.

Golding introduces aspects from the "adult world" to compare how the problems with society on the island are similar to civilizations' larger issues. While the children are stranded on the island, a World War is simultaneously taking place around them. The immoral behavior and savagery taking place on the island is a microcosm of the ongoing World War.

The fate of the boys on the deserted island is representative of society's ills. Golding's message is clear; Humans are inherently evil, and their immoral behavior will eventually lead to the demise of civilization.

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