Eric R.

March 13th, 2014

Period 3

Lord of the Flies Essay Topic 2

Human nature, and the science of it, are a broad and complex discipline. All human
beings, to a seemingly prominent extent, possess and exude the same innate triggers,
characteristics, and behaviours as almost any other human would. One such behaviour is that of
conformity, which binds members of a particular society together. Another is that of acceptance;
people do not only strive for integration in a community or society, they also long for
acknowledgement. Perhaps, the most shocking revelation, is the notion that evil lies in all
humans. Through these and other aspects of human nature, is the inner self-similarity of every
person presented and realized.
First and foremost is The Lord of the Flies utilization and interpretation of the manner
in which most humans will adhere to conformity; it depicts a multitude and variety of scenarios
of such behaviour. Following Ralphs democratic victory as chief, it was observed that although
Jacks group collectively [raised their hands] [with dreary obedience] (19) whilst voting
against Ralph, they still gave him respect. The circle of boys broke into applause. Even the
choir applauded (19). Conforming also meant that the boys had to be kept in check by means of
the conch. The conch is utilized as a device to uphold conformity to all of them. In blowing the
conch (30) it is seen that all the boys automatically navigate their way to it. There is a cascading
effect. When one follows, the rest follow along. Contrary to that the others do though is Jacks
motivation to remove himself from their collective and assumes the indignant decision that he
was not going to be part of Ralphs lot (140). While an individual may tend to follow along
with others, there is the capacity to break conformity. It is revealed that human nature could be
driven by choices as well as an autonomous mechanic of ones conscience.
In addition to the aforementioned subject matter, is the perception that while conformity
is the benchmark in a group, having a sense of belonging and recognition is the most sought-after
goal. In light of the fact that Ralph shrieked with laughter (6) when Piggy stated they used to
call me Piggy (6), Piggy still grinned reluctantly, pleased despite himself at even this much
recognition. (6). Regardless of how one is treated in a group, often times it still leads to a sense
of legitimate acceptance. In addition, while being left out may be off-putting, it is in peoples
nature to take what measures they are able to muster in order to fit in. Where it is most apparent
is when Simon allowed his pace to slacken until he was walking side by side with Ralph and
for a moment or two [Simon] was happy to be accepted (113). Up to now, it is shown that a
sample of qualities of human nature supposedly build on one-another. As conformity is attained,
acceptance then assumes succession.

Lastly, The Lord of the Flies touches on a tricky and controversial debate; do humans
really tote evil on a fundamental plane of conscience? The first glimpse of evil comes by way of
malice and spite first by Jack, primarily, and later on including the others. During the early
goings, Jack failed to retrieve a pig, and uttered that it broke away before [he] could kill it
-but- next time! (31). Drawing on those vexing tendencies, the others soon followed suit. The
one big organism that the choir (and some of the other boys) now compose provides a specimen
of each individuals inner-evil. Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood. (72). One of the
most evil actions one may do is taking advantage of a situation; when the sow fell the hunters
hurled themselves at her (148). Another is to take the life of another person. Any person under a
clear mind would not terminate another unless under duress or a clouded conscience. Such was
apparent when Simon was crying out something about a dead man on a hill (168) and was
subsequently murdered by the others. In essence, evil is a dormant portion of human nature.
While it may possibly lay in slumber indefinitely, it has proved to be a killer shadow. Always
present there with you but never given a nod to.
In conclusion, human nature has been determined to be a much more complex collection
of characteristics, triggers, and behaviours than what would be initially thought of as. Taken at
full value, there are eyesores from within all human that are carried as a result. Everyone wants
to fit in and to feel appreciated. On the opposing side of the spectrum, are the ill-appreciated
attributes that people would rather not accept. While people may deal with them, theyll never go
away. Human nature is why humans are able to operate, but at the same time their downfall.