How is fear used in Lord of the Flies? In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, fear plays a major role in shaping the boys’ behavior and the events on the island. As they struggle to survive without adult guidance, their fear of the unknown—and of each other—grows stronger, leading to chaos and violence. This article explores how fear is used in the novel to reveal deeper truths about human nature and society.
How is fear used in Lord of the Flies?
Fear is a powerful force throughout Lord of the Flies and plays a major role in shaping the boys’ actions and the breakdown of their society. At first, fear begins with the littluns’ story about a “beastie” in the forest. This quickly spreads among the group, planting seeds of uncertainty and panic. The fear of the beast pushes the boys further away from the comfort and order they knew before landing on the island.
As Golding writes, “He says he saw the beastie, the snake-thing, and will it come back tonight?” This quote shows how quickly fear takes hold, especially in the younger boys. The beast soon becomes a symbol for all their fears—of the dark, of being alone, and even of each other.
The more afraid the boys become, the more they abandon rules and civilization. Jack uses fear to take control and justify his violent behavior: “The thing is—fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.” But as fear grows, so does their savagery. They begin to believe the beast is real, leading to chaos and violence, including Simon’s tragic death when he tries to reveal the truth about the beast.
What symbolizes fear in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, the beast symbolizes fear. It represents the boys’ fear of the unknown and their growing terror on the island.
What quotes show fear in Lord of the Flies?
Here are some quotes from Lord of the Flies that show fear:
- “He says he saw the beastie, the snake-thing, and will it come back tonight?”
- “Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.”
- “The littluns screamed and blundered about, fleeing from the edge of the forest.”
- “Fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.”
How does Ralph show fear in Lord of the Flies?
Ralph shows fear in Lord of the Flies by worrying that they might never be rescued and could be stuck on the island forever. This fear affects his actions and decisions as a leader.
How does Jack use fear to control?
Jack uses fear to control the other boys by convincing them that the beast is real. He uses their fear to justify his strict leadership and the violent actions he and his followers take.
What is Jack afraid of in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, Jack is afraid of the “beast,” just like many of the other boys on the island.
What is the beast in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, the beast is thought to be a savage supernatural figure by the boys, but it mostly symbolizes the evil and violence that can exist in every human’s heart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fear in Lord of the Flies represents both their movement away from civilization and their growing distrust of one another. It drives them into savagery, showing how easily people can lose control when they let fear guide their actions.