From the moment William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, was published in 1954, it has captivated readers with its exploration of the inherent struggle between civilization and ferocity. Set on a desert island, the story follows a group of young boys forced to confront their primal instincts in an attempt to create a functioning society. Throughout the novel, Golding uses various quotes to highlight the dichotomy between civilization and savagery, ultimately revealing the fragility of human nature. This essay will analyze several key quotes from Lord of the Flies that exemplify this theme, shedding light on the destructive potential found in all individuals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of the most important quotes in Lord of the Flies that portrays the loss of civilization is when Ralph, the novel's protagonist, says, "We must have rules and abide by them. After all we are not savages, we are English and the English they are the best at everything” (Golding 42). This statement reflects Ralph's belief in the power of order and structure, and his belief that their English upbringing will allow them to maintain civilized behavior. However, as the boys gradually descend into savagery, this quote serves to highlight the irony of their situation. Despite their initial adherence to the rules and their cultural background, they succumb to their primal instincts, ultimately proving that civilization is a fragile construction that can easily crumble. Another quote that exemplifies the call of savagery in Lord of the Flies is when Jack, the antagonist, exclaims, "Fuck the rules! We are strong, we hunt! If there is a beast, we will hunt it! We will get close and we will beat and we will beat and we will beat” (Golding 91). This statement shows Jack's growing obsession with hunting and violence, which ultimately leads him to abandon the principles of civilization. The use of expletives in this quote highlights Jack's disdain for rules and his desire to embrace savagery. By comparing Jack's words to Ralph's earlier belief in the importance of rules, Golding highlights the inherent tension between civility and savagery that exists in every individual. A key quote that encapsulates the descent into darkness in Lord of the Flies is when Simon, one of the more introspective characters, realizes, “Maybe there is a beast…maybe it's just us” (Golding 89). This profound insight highlights the central theme of the novel: that the true beast lies in human nature. As the boys' fear and paranoia intensifies, they project their inner darkness onto the imagined beast, blurring the line between reality and imagination. This quote serves as a reminder that every individual has the capacity to be wild and that the constraints of civilization can be easily abandoned in the face of fear and desperation. In conclusion, Lord of the Flies masterfully explores the duality between civilization and savagery through its evocative quotes. Ralph's belief in the power of rules, Jack's fascination with savagery, and Simon's realization of the beast within serve to highlight the fragile nature of civilization and the inherent darkness found in individuals. Golding's novel serves as a chilling reminder that, once removed from the constraints of society, even the most civilized individuals can succumb to their primal instincts. Ultimately, Lord of the Flies raises profound questions about the true nature of humanity and the precarious balance between civilization and wilderness. Bibliography: Here, 1954.