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  • Essay / Jack's Transformation in Lord of the Flies: A Study in Human Nature

    In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the character Jack undergoes a radical transformation, representing the darker side of nature human. Throughout the novel, Jack's descent into savagery and his eventual break from the constraints of civilization serves as a powerful commentary on the inherent capacity for evil within humanity. This essay will demonstrate that the character of Jack serves as a microcosm of the innate darkness of each individual and that his actions throughout the novel are indicative of the fragility of societal norms in the face of primal instincts. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Early in the novel, Jack is described as a well-behaved and disciplined altar boy, a stark contrast to the savagery he later adopts. Golding initially presents Jack as a symbol of order and civilization, as evidenced by his commitment to maintaining the choir's sense of decorum and discipline. However, as the boys become stranded on the island and the constraints of society gradually disappear, Jack's true nature begins to emerge. This transformation is evident in his descent into barbarism, as he becomes increasingly consumed by the quest for power and domination over the other boys. One of the key moments in Jack's transformation occurs when he becomes obsessed with hunting and the thrill of killing. As Jack becomes more proficient at hunting, he begins to derive a sense of power and validation from his ability to assert dominance over the natural world. This is particularly evident in his obsession with hunting the elusive pig, which serves as a metaphor for his growing desire to exert control over the island and its inhabitants. Jack's descent into savagery is also illustrated by his willingness to embrace violence and brutality, as demonstrated by his role in Simon's murder and his relentless pursuit of Ralph. Additionally, Jack's rejection of the societal norms and moral values ​​that initially governed the boys' lives. this behavior reveals the fragility of human civilization. As the novel progresses, Jack increasingly despises the rules and regulations that once defined their society, choosing instead to prioritize his own desires and impulses. This is evidenced by his establishment of a tyrannical dictatorship, in which he rules through fear and intimidation rather than consensus and cooperation. Jack's willingness to abandon the principles of democracy and justice in favor of authoritarianism provides a powerful commentary on the potential for societal collapse in the absence of external constraints. Additionally, Jack's character reflects the darker aspects of human nature, particularly the capacity for cruelty and violence. His descent into savagery and his embrace of barbarism are indicative of the primal instincts that lie dormant in all individuals, waiting to be released in the absence of societal constraints. This is also supported by psychological research, which suggests that human beings possess a natural tendency toward aggression and dominance, particularly in the context of group dynamics and competition for limited resources. Additionally, the character of Jack can be interpreted as a metaphor for the broader concept of original sin, which posits that all individuals are inherently born with a predisposition to evil and immorality. This perspective is consistent with the Christian doctrine of the fall of man, which holds that beings.