One of the most influential works in English literature, “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, portrays the dark and savage nature of human beings when conventional rules and structures of society are removed. Set on a deserted island, the novel explores the gradual deterioration of a group of boys’ attempt to establish a civilized society. This essay will delve into the idea of mob mentality and how it contributes to the ultimate disintegration of their civilization.
1. The Emergence of Mob Mentality:
From the outset of the novel, mob mentality begins to surface among the boys. Initially, they adhere to notions of order and elect Ralph as their leader. However, as time progresses, the allure of power and the absence of adult authority cause the boys to gravitate towards anarchy. Under the influence of Jack and his thirst for control, the boys slowly succumb to mob mentality, with their passions overriding their sense of reason.
2. The Loss of Civilizational Structure:
As the novel progresses, the boys abandon societal norms, resulting in the loss of crucial civilizational structures. The conch, which once symbolized order and dialogue, is eventually disregarded and crushed, representing the erosion of democracy and dialogue. Furthermore, the boys’ failure to maintain the signal fire reflects their declining desire to be rescued and their descent into savagery, marking the absence of an organized society.
3. The Role of Fear:
Fear plays a significant role in nurturing mob mentality on the island. The boys’ collective fear of an imaginary beast leads them to form a “tribe” under Jack’s leadership, separating themselves from Ralph’s group. Fear not only drives them to seek refuge in savagery but also fuels their primary impulse for violence, further accentuating the mob mentality present among them.
4. The Transformation of Characters:
Golding skillfully portrays how mob mentality alters the behavior and mindset of the characters. Ralph, initially hopeful and rational, eventually succumbs to barbaric tendencies. Jack, representing the embodiment of chaos, demonstrates how mob mentality can turn individuals into cruel and instinctive beings. Simon, the most introspective and spiritually attuned boy, becomes the victim of a frenzied mob, highlighting how mob mentality crushes dissent and individuality.
5. The Failure of Human Nature:
“Lord of the Flies” ultimately warns readers about the inherent flaws of human nature. The boys’ descent into savagery highlights their primal instincts for violence and destruction. The novel suggests that under specific circumstances, human beings, especially when removing the constraints of a civilized society, have a deep capacity for evil. Mob mentality acts as the catalyst through which these latent instincts are released, leading to the collapse of a formerly ordered group.
Lastly, in “Lord of the Flies,” William Golding masterfully explores the theme of mob mentality and how it contributes to the collapse of civilization. Through the boys’ gradual transformation into savages, the loss of civilizational structure, and the omnipresence of fear, Golding emphasizes the inherent darkness within human nature. The novel serves as a profound reflection on the dangers of mob mentality and the necessity of maintaining democratic values and order in society. As readers, it becomes essential to confront these truths and reflect on the implications they hold for our own communities.
