Ethan Poortenga
Lord of the Flies Essay
When the boys first arrive on the island, they have good intentions and clear consciences, not taking advantage of their freedom. The pigs roam free on the island, unknown and undisturbed. However, the boys soon realize their freedom and, as it always does, the Satan driven side of human nature kicks in. Piggy alone, the ironically ignored sole voice of reason, understands the possible effects of taking advantage of this freedom, but no one listens. Ralph is elected leader and the first signs of jealousy appear. Shortly thereafter, pig tracks and droppings are discovered, provoking the boys to search for the pigs. The morally condemned, unspeakable actions are discovered, but pushed down and ashamedly hidden, the horror unthinkable. In the jungle, a pig runs into Jacks hands and he can't bring himself to hurt the helpless creature, but this is a sign of weakness and he vows to strike and kill next time. When they started a fire on the mountaintop, it spread to surrounding trees and one of the littluns was consumed by the flame. Unseen yet understood, this act is disregarded, but not forgotten. The Satan driven force has begun its descent on the vulnerable boys on the island. The pigs still run free, but they have been discovered. The flame has been ignited. Everyday, Jack and his hunters search the jungle for pigs and an opportunity to kill, chanting, "Kill the Pig, Cut her throat, Spill her blood." Tension greatens between Ralph and the power hungry Jack. One day, Jack triumphantly kills a pig, which marks a point where the pigs have been disturbed. They no longer run free, but have been touched by a cruel hatred that only grows. Jack cuts off the pig's head and sets it on a stick as an offering to the "Beast." The devil has descended and now lives among them. The pigs now rule the men, taking over their actions and instilling fear in all. The maggot covered head of the pig is discovered by the kindhearted, innocent Simon. He is targeted by the ugly evil, and understands its intentions and is terrified. However, the full scale of its power has not been released. The unspeakable remains. The skull retains its protective skin, but it is slowly being consumed. That night Simon runs out to the boys and is jumped upon by Jack and is murdered. The last part of the skin has been eaten away. The next day, Ralph discovers the white skull, free of all barriers, it has come to full power, the innocent have been killed and the guilty live. It is grinning for it is triumphant; the flame now burns freely with a satisfaction of the completed journey from innocence to corrupt. Pigs and men alike are hunted, the morals of life thrown in complete disregard, actions controlled by the devil, all hope gone. The flame engulfs all, yet it is still hungry, it is forever hungry and forever hunts, just as the man forever hunts the pig.
I liked the idea of comparing the boys with free pigs but it seem there is some connectors missing and then again I got lost with this line
However, the boys soon realize their freedom and, as it always does, the Satan driven side of human nature kicks in I assume you are comparing satan with the savage instinc of the boys as they loose in the uncounciosness of living without rules and order. I love your ending yet when I read the end of the book, I hadn't thought of the idea actions controlled by the devil, all hope gone the rest I love, And what you consider then the about the man in the end.
Well Hope This is useful for you.
