Mankind's Essential Illness: Exploring Golding's Dark Vision in Lord of the Flies
William Golding's Lord of the Flies isn't just a thrilling adventure story; it's a chilling exploration of human nature and what Golding considered mankind's inherent flaw: an innate capacity for violence, savagery, and self-destruction. While he doesn't explicitly define "mankind's essential illness" with a single, concise phrase, the novel powerfully illustrates his belief through the boys' descent into chaos on the deserted island.
This essay will delve into Golding's portrayal of this "illness," examining its manifestations within the novel and considering its broader implications for understanding human behavior.
The Beast Within: A Manifestation of Innate Evil
Golding masterfully uses the symbolic "beast" to represent the darkness residing within each individual. Initially, the boys fear a literal beast, projecting their anxieties onto the unknown. However, the true "beast" is revealed not as a physical entity, but as the inherent savagery they unleash upon themselves. This savagery isn't a learned behavior; it's a primal instinct waiting to be ignited, fueled by fear, tribalism, and the lust for power.
The transformation of the boys from civilized schoolboys to bloodthirsty hunters illustrates this descent into primal savagery. The escalating violence, culminating in Piggy's murder, showcases the horrific consequences of unchecked aggression. This inherent capacity for cruelty isn't confined to a few "bad apples;" it's a potential residing within every individual, lurking beneath the veneer of civilization.
The Failure of Reason and Order
The breakdown of societal structures mirrors the boys' internal disintegration. Ralph's attempts to establish order and reason are constantly undermined by Jack's appeal to primal instincts and the allure of power. The conch shell, representing democratic principles and rational discourse, is ultimately shattered, symbolizing the complete collapse of civilization and the triumph of savagery.
This failure highlights Golding's pessimistic view of human potential. He suggests that reason and civilization are fragile constructs, easily eroded by the powerful forces of instinct and the pursuit of dominance. The "essential illness" isn't simply a lack of morality; it's a deeper flaw in human nature that threatens to override any attempt at creating a just and peaceful society.
Beyond the Island: Implications for Humanity
Golding's message transcends the isolated setting of the island. The novel serves as an allegory for the potential for violence and barbarity present throughout human history. The boys' descent into savagery mirrors historical events marked by mass violence and oppression, illustrating the ever-present danger of unchecked human aggression.
Golding doesn't offer simplistic solutions; instead, he compels readers to confront the uncomfortable truth about human nature. The "essential illness" is not something easily cured; it's a persistent challenge that requires constant vigilance and a conscious effort to cultivate empathy, reason, and a commitment to ethical behavior.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Pessimism?
Lord of the Flies remains profoundly relevant today, serving as a cautionary tale about the potential for darkness within humanity. While Golding's vision is undeniably pessimistic, it’s also a powerful call to action. By acknowledging the "essential illness," we can strive to understand and mitigate its impact, working towards a more just and peaceful world despite the inherent challenges presented by our own nature. The novel's enduring power lies in its unflinching portrayal of human fallibility and its enduring challenge to confront the darkness within ourselves and within society.
