Post 2: Who will be Lord of the Flies?

Golding, William. Lord of the flies. New York: Capricorn Books, 1954. Print.

"Jack stood over him. His voice was vicious with humiliation. 'You would, would you? Fatty!' Ralph made a step forward and Jack smacked Piggy's head." (Golding 65)

    

     I think that this short quotation captures the conflict that is shown in this book. I think that the conflict is the main reason why this is such an effective book. I also think that the nature of the conflict is why it is interesting. It is centred around young boys who are trying to figure out how to get along with each other, but sometimes pride gets in the way. I also think that we can learn a lot from the conflicts these children have. In my opinion, some of the most important things we learn in life are learned from children. 

     Even though in this quote it seems like it is just a child's fight, the larger conflict that this situation leads to is much more important. It is the kind of conflict that many adults won't even face. This event really shows the nature of the conflict between the three boys. Jack is provoked by people who challenge his authority, and takes it out on weaker ones like Piggy. Ralph, although he is often frustrated by Piggy, stands up for him, but Jack cannot be stopped from harming him. The conflict then switches to be between Jack and Ralph.

     This is important because the exact situation is repeated over and over again, escalating every time. The first time that it happens, it is very mild and no one is really hurt. Every time after it is more and more damaging. Jack and Ralph cannot work together because of these conflicts, and so they shape the story. Without the pattern, the story would not be nearly as interesting.