4.1.6

Power & Control

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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.

Jump to other topics

1Context

2Story Analysis

3Key Characters

4Key Concepts

5Writing Techniques

6Recap: Main Quotes

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