4.1.3

Democracy & Dictatorship

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Democracy and Dictatorship

On the island, there is a constant power struggle between democracy and dictatorship. Golding shows how fragile democracy is – it can be easily destroyed.

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Undermining democracy

  • Golding shows how fragile democracy is – it can be easily destroyed.
  • Jack is convinced that he should be the chief – when Ralph is elected leader, he begins to undermine him and starts doing what he wants to anyway.
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Dictatorship

  • Jack then uses violence to get his own way before he decides to form his own tribe, where he is the unelected leader (he begins a dictatorship).
  • Jack makes all of the decisions and gives imperative orders, showing his power over the other boys: “"Tomorrow," went on the chief, "we shall hunt again.”
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Fear and violence

  • When the beast begins to worry the other boys more, Jack uses their fear to make them join his tribe.
  • Jack’s tribe, borne out of fear and violence, is ruled by terror and evil.
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Power

  • Golding shows how easily people can become victims of dictators, and how dangerous dictatorships are, even to those who support them.
  • He also shows how easily people can grab power.
    • The boys on the island had no leaders when they landed, but they gave power to Ralph and Jack.

Power and Control

Golding contrasts different locations on the island to symbolise the struggle within humans – a struggle between our good and bad natures.

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Contrast

  • Golding shows the contrasting aspects of the island:
    • He shows the beautiful place during the day, with the boys bathing and eating fruit from the trees.
    • However, at night time, the beach becomes a setting for their nightmares – the boys see “snake things” in the trees.
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Human struggle

  • We also see the contrast between:
    • The rocky side of the island.
    • The nice, gentle lagoon.
  • Golding shows these contrasts to symbolise the struggle within humans – a struggle between our good and bad natures.
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Power and control

  • On the island, there is a constant power struggle between democracy and dictatorship.
    • The boys start out democratically electing a leader: Ralph.
    • Ralph holds meetings, sets rules, allows everyone to be heard, and begins a process of law and order: " “We shall have to look after ourselves.” The meeting hummed and was silent. "
    • Ralph constantly tries to protect the weaker members (especially Piggy) from harm.

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