Reflection: How I relate my experiences to the novel

      I feel that the group of boys in the novel is very symbolic of a modern society. Many modern issues of society, are symbolised as characters in the Lord of the Flies. Because of this, I am able to relate the different characters and events in the novel, to what I am experiencing in reality, where we are conditioned by the rules and regulations of society, where we perform tasks under the boundaries of the law and where there are different systems of government. Some of us are law-abiding, while some abide by the law of true human nature.

      The relationship of the boys in the novel may be seen as a mirror to the rest of modern adult society. One may argue that our modern society is one of adults, more mature and restrained people and thus less likely to degrade like the boys in the novel. However, I feel that it is precisely the naivety of the boys that allows them to serve as a parallel to modern society. These boys, being young of age, are just beginning to learn the complexities of the world around them. They are at the point of their lives when they begin to question and understand the social expectations imprinted on them from birth. Thus, they serve as an almost simplified representation of society as a whole, having not yet been bound by responsibility to family or work, like an adult, but yet old to begin to understand at least the basic rationale behind some of society's rules. However, as they mature into the rational creature that is an adult, they still cling on to the unreasonable tendencies of a child, thus are somewhat representative of both sides of human nature. Therefore, they can be seen to represent what humanity truly is at its core, and represents its struggle. This struggle is one of rationality versus our base human instincts of survival and domination.

      When the boys first gather on the island, they attempt to create a semblance of the organised society they are used to. They hold elections for leaders, give out roles and hold meetings to discuss what to do. Modern society is like that of the boys; it understands that to reach its goal it must embrace the tenets of organisation, mutual understanding, peace and tolerance. However, it is not without flaws. Multiple parties vie for power, and their conflicts and differences can tear apart all innocents caught in the crossfire. In the novel, Ralph attempts to defend his position as chief against the advances of the more domineering Jack. However, Jack's lust for power and the savagery of the Hunt causes a lot of problems for Ralph and the boys, such as his act of letting the fire go out due to his irresponsibility, which cost the boys a chance to be rescued. This is a clear example of how in modern societies, the decisions of those in charge may be both positive or detrimental to the lives of all those around them. Countless times in history it is shown that poor leadership causes great pain.

       Another parallel to modern society that may be observed in the novel come in the form of ostracization. Piggy is victim of this. Being more mentally inclined, Piggy represents order and rationality. However, He lacks physical strength, and is thus looked down by the rest of the boys, especially the hunters like Jack. Piggy is thus ostracized from the rest of the boys due to his less than perfect grammar and physical weakness. He is constantly ignored and looked down upon though he may well be one of the few boys on the island who fully grasp the direness of the situation. In modern society too, ostracization is rampant. Women are being treated as less than men, and racial discrimination is common in many parts of the world. Minority groups are looked down upon by the better educated majority groups in many countries solely based on race, not merit. Such is the nature of humanity. While we preach peace and equality, the novel shows us that truly, we are bound to our carnal nature and instincts, looking down upon others who are seemingly weaker, surrendering to our social instincts and culling those who we deem unworthy from the herd to further our own interests. Truly, while we aim for a rational and free society where people can be depended upon to do the right thing for the good of everyone, it is shown in the novel to be impossible. Reason alone can never be a motive to any action, and at best it is the will to carry out reason that would drive us. In my opinion, we ultimately are slaves to our passion and savagery of our base human nature.