Problem of Evil
By: Nathan Artt and Jacob Salazar
Engagement Activity
Topic Overview and Thesis
Thesis- In "Lord Of The Flies" William Golding uses Jack and his group to show the problem of evil through killing, betraying, and stealing.
Quotes and Analysis
Killing Quote
"The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee: the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist. Piggy, saying nothing, with no time for even a grunt, traveled through the air sideways from the rock, turning over as he went. Piggy fell 40 feet and landed on his back across the the square red rock in the sea. His head opened and stuff came out and turned red. Piggy's arms and legs twitched a bit, like a pigs after it has been killed"
Killing Quote Analysis
When Piggy is killed this signifies that all hope order is lost and the evil becomes more dominant. When Piggy fell to his death the conch was smashed. The conch was a symbol of order and a hope that the two sides (Jack and Ralph) would be reunited and evil would not prevail. This however no longer seemed possible because the conch was smashed and evil had conquered Jack’s group.
Betrayal Quote
“I’m not going to be a part of Ralph’s lot”
“I’m going off by myself. He can catch his own pigs. Anyone who wants
to hunt when I do can come too.”
Betrayal Quote Analysis
This quote from Jack stating that he is leaving the group is a betrayal of the idea of solidarity and opens up the evil to increase in the two groups fighting for control and power rather than fighting for existence and rescue.
Stealing Quote
“You all right, Piggy?”
“I thought they wanted the conch.”
“They didn’t take the conch.”
“I know. They didn’t come for the conch. They came for somethielse. Ralph—what am I going to do?”...
The chief led then, trotting
steadily, exulting in his achievement. He was a chief now in truth; and he
made stabbing motions with his spear. From his left hand dangled Piggy’s
broken glasses.
Stealing Quote Analysis
When Jack and his group stole Piggy’s glasses it represents the shift in power from Jack’s group because the glasses are used as a way to start the fire and the fire represents power and the way to being rescued. Jack steals the glasses in a very violent and evil way beating up the members in the group in a savage night raid. This represents the shift in power and increasing presence of evil in the book.
Concludinng Thoughts
In Lord of the Flies, evil takes over Jack and his group which causes a division between the lost boys. This growing evil causes destruction and even death. This novel shows us that savagery and evil doing is only controlled by established rules and laws in society.
Discussion Questions
- Do you think all human beings are born evil?
- If you were one of the boys on the island would you choose Ralph or Jack’s group?
- What specific point in the book do you think evil overtook good?
- Why do you think more boys choose Jack’s evil ways rather than Ralph’s peaceful ways?