Authority and Boundaries versus Inherent Human Potentials

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Authority and boundaries exist in every civilized society regardless of the size and population. Government and laws are indispensable in helping to keep the society peaceful and functional. The microcosm adduced in the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a perfect example of how the loss of boundaries and authority would result in the rise of evil spirits. In general, human beings need authority and boundaries in order to interact with others harmoniously. Without authority and boundaries, people can be influenced towards evil. The potential for evilness also increases in the absence of authority and boundaries. And even a good individual can be converted into a black sheep. In all, the inherent potential of both good and evil lies in every human soul. Although good and evil coexists within people, without the inhibition of authority, people can be influenced towards evil. Jack demonstrated his metamorphosis towards an evil character through these words, “We’ll raid them and take fire.” (Golding William, Lord of the Flies, Page 136). Jack’s tribe was in need of a fire, and Jack decided to solve the problem by looting the other tribe. Looting is an extreme and violent way to gain things from other people. It is recognized as an unacceptable and wicked action in a civilized society and will be punished severely. But since there is no presence of authority and boundaries on the island, looting seemed to Jack a feasible solution to the problem. This clearly showed that Jack had revealed the evil side of his soul, which had turned him into a malevolent character. Not only had Jack disembosomed his evil nature in the absence of authority and boundaries, many other boys on the island had also revealed the dark side of their souls. This excerpt from Piggy, “I expect they’ve gone. I expect they won’t play either.” (Golding William, Lord of the Flies, Page 131).

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