Lord of the Flies
By Vera Skupien
Societal Order/ Governmental Bodies
Different Types of Governing Bodies
Republic
In a republic, instead of voting directly about what they want to do, as in a democracy, people instead vote for people to represent them, and those people decide what to do. The first republic was the Roman Republic, which was founded about 509 B.C, just about the same time as the first Democracy in Athens. The rules about who could vote were about the same as in Athens too: Slaves couldn't vote, and neither could women, or children, or men who were not citizens. In addition, in Rome you could only vote if you owned land, so a lot of poor men could not vote at all even though they were free citizens. There are many instances in the novel, "Lord of the Flies," that parallel this form of Government and express the theme, Need For Social Order. For example in the beginning of the novel the stranded boys on the island decide to vote for a chief or main go-to person who can make the final decisions. As the boys chant, "Lets have a vote! Lets have a vote! Vote for Chief," (Chapter-1 Page-22) It actually demonstrates the boy's needs/wants for some form of governing body. Though many of the boys expressed their "like" for voting for a chief, One Character (Jack) on the other hand wanted to take Chief role immediately without voting. As seeing himself being outnumbered by the other boys apposing his decision he did decide to just go along with it and allow a vote. The boys ended up voting for a boy named Ralph who appeared to be an honest and trustworthy person. When Ralph says, "Listen everybody. Iv'e got to have time to think things out. I can't decide what to do straight off." (Chapter-1 Page-23) this directly parallels the governing body that Republics demonstrate.
Democracy
Democracies are based on "rule of law." The Ancient Greeks (particularly Aristotle) valued Natural Law, the notion that human societies should be governed by ethical principles found in nature. The Greeks are famous for practicing DIRECT DEMOCRACY, a system in which citizens meet to discuss all policy, and then make decisions by majority rule. As for Democracy in, "Lord of the Flies," many of the same principles were also followed. Ralph, follows the ideas of a democracy by ruling while they are stranded on an island. He gives everyone an equal voice and tries to give everyone responsibility. Ralph uses a conch as a way of gathering all of the children and as a talking stick. By these actions, he shows that he wants society to be disciplined. Ralph demonstrates he likes being organized and wants things settled in an organized way. “Which is better–to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?” (Chapter-11 Page-180).
Monarchy
Monarchy is a historical form of government that places most or all of the ruling power in the hands of a single individual. Monarchs have varied amounts of power, depending on the time and situation. In absolute monarchies during the early modern period, the monarch held full power over everything. In constitutional monarchies, the monarch serves as a figurehead, and most of the power resides with other forms of government. Monarchies were dominant in European countries from the end of the Roman era until the 18th century. In, “Lord of the Flies,” Golding uses Jack, the protagonist, as a dictatorial Monarch. His way of ruling and wanting total control over the island shows that he likes to have total power over the people. Even though Jack is not organized at all, he has total control of the people that follow him. “Shut up, fatty!” (Chapter-1 Page-21). Whenever Piggy tried to say something or give his opinion, Jack would try to shut him up. This represents evil and violence, and because of his ‘rebellious’ personality, this makes him a really violent leader with unfair ways of ruling.
My Chosen Government for my Island
"DEMOCRACY"
My Constitution
15 Rules
1. No one is above anyone.
2. Everyone has an equal opportunity to voice their opinion.
3. If people cannot come to an informed decision there will be an anonymous vote, Where Majority Rules.
4. There will not ever be just one superior leader.
5. People have the right to leave our society if they do not believe in our ideas.
6. People can choose what role they want in our society.
7. There can be voted punishment, but must be fair/equal to the person's wrong doing(s).
8. Unreasonable or savage hostilities will not be Tolerated (It's natural to disagree though).
9. No discrimination amongst the people.
10. Always work together and keep everyone's best interest in mind.
11. Agree to Disagree (Not everyone will agree with what you have to say).
12. No unvoiced/un-voted human killings for punishment (Must be Majority Vote).
13. No inhumane or long lasting human torture for punishment (Unless voted upon and is equal in nature to the offense).
14. No religiose discrimination
15. Never forget you are never alone (Both in the good sense and bad sense).
Historical- Real World- Conflict
Russian- Ukraine Conflict
Current- Real World- Political Conflict
United State's Executive Amnesty Decision
Works Cited (MLA)
Works Cited
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Foster, S. W. Lord of the Flies, William Golding. Harlow: Longman, 2002. Print.
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Lackey, Katharine, and Oren Dorell. "Ukraine-Russia Conflict: What You Need to Know." USA Today. Gannett, 31 Aug. 2014. Web. 04 May 2015.
"Maps Republics of the Soviet Union." Republics of the Soviet Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2015.
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N.p., n.d. Web. 4 May 2015.
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"Republics and Democracies." Republics and Democracies. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2015.
"US Immigration Amnesty." Immigration. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2015.