The Consequences of Freedom Without Rules Essay

The Consequences of Freedom Without Rules
In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Golding uses three literary tools, symbolism, character, and setting, to show that total freedom and no consequences for ones' actions will lead to a world where people are selfish, manipulative, cruel and murderous. It is parents and society that teach children how to live in a civilized world, and government laws that keeps them under control.
Lord of the Flies is set during world war II. (Notes on Novels) A group of young boys are being transported on an airplane from England to escape from the war. When the airplane crashes and lands on the island, they find themselves helpless and without protection and adult guidance. The group of boys have to deal with changes as they slowly get used to the isolated freedom from the world they once knew. Three of the main characters, Ralph, Piggy, and Jack, though under the same circumstances, are affected differently by the isolation and lawlessness of the island. (Freewebs)
Golding uses a lot of symbolism in this novel. The book suggests that savagery and civilization are closer to each other than we think. The plane crash represents the failure of society in the world outside, the corruption of ideas and the battle of good vs. evil. It was because of the war that they were on the plane. (Company)
Ralph, takes leadership immediately; he uses the conch found by Piggy, who is also used as a symbol to call the other boys who were between the ages of six and twelve to an assembly where they discuss the need for rules and unity. The conch represents democracy and order, and it is the only thing on the island that is used to keep order. Piggy represents knowledge and morality. He listens to the rules from the very beginning to the very end. The writer of this essay also concludes that Piggy is very smart and plans things out carefully:
Piggy knew the rules, as did all the other boys, but he also had the patience to at least wonder why the...