Power & Control
English Lit: AQA GCSE Lord of the Flies, topic 4.1.6
Power and Control
Golding contrasts different locations on the island to symbolise the struggle within humans – a struggle between our good and bad natures.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Power & Control
How does Golding show the contrasting aspects of the island?