Premium Essay

Archetypes In Lord Of The Flies

Submitted By
Words 735
Pages 3
All movies, books and even plays regarding heroic figures use the same archetypes for their characters. An archetype signifies a symbol which connects to literature, art, and real life. In Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, the plot revolves around a group of stranded boys on an island that witness changes in themselves. Throughout the story, each character has an archetypal symbol that connects to a hero’s journey. These archetypes represent the guideline that allows the story to be read through the archetypal literary lens. In literature, the archetypal literary lens allows the reader to read a story by recognizing symbols, character types, and motifs. With this in mind, Golding uses Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack to display the various …show more content…
Ralph is the hero of the story. In the publication, Ralph states, “and if we have a signal going, they'll come and take us off. And another thing. We ought to have more rules. Where the conch is, that's a meeting,” (Golding 58). In the quote mentioned above, Ralph is shown trying to be a leader by establishing rules. While he is not the stereotypical hero that wears a cape, he strives to create order and peace for his peers. Ralph’s call to action, qualities of a leader, and good nature evidently represents the hero archetype. Furthermore, Ralph encounters many obstacles as the hero, one being Jack. In the literary work, Jack states, “I’m going off by myself. He can catch his own pigs. Anyone who wants to hunt when I do can come too,” (Golding 183). This quote is important because it shows the start of Jack becoming Ralph's adversary. After this period, Jack only creates problems for Ralph such as slowly capturing his friends, robbing him, and even attempting to take his life. Jack represents the enemy archetype because of his uncivilized behavior. Succinctly, both characters are the most important symbols in a hero’s journey. Ralph is the protagonist, and Jack is the

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Archetype In Lord Of The Flies

...Johanna Mejias Ashlock 2 Lord of the Flies “Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man.”- Henry B. Adams. In the midst of the next world war, a group of British school boys are left stranded on an island after their plane crashes. Blinded by the freedom of no adult supervision, the fragile order of the island collapses and terror takes over. In the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding the archetypal characters of the Mentor, Simon, and the shadow, Jack, are used to show the two sides of society; order and chaos. Simon is the mentor character archetype because he suffers from trying to give the gift of knowledge to the other boys, he helps the learner, Ralph, overcome obstacles, and he is a misunderstood prophet who understands...

Words: 1139 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Lord of the Flies Research Paper

...Although there is a lack of light imagery in Lord of the Flies by William Golding, because of the frequent use of dark imagery to give an impending sense of despair, both light and dark imagery are still crucial to this novel. Light and dark imagery is an archetype that is used to give readers a better understanding of a story in some writer’s works. In the case of light vs. darkness, light usually suggests hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination; darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair. Light can also be associated with the color white, which can represent the following: “innocence”, “goodness”, and “morality,” (Archetypes). Darkness can be associated with the color black, allowing darkness to represent the following: “the unknown”, “death”, “the unconscious”, or “evil” (Archetypes). All of these things can also be linked to morality- the id, ego, and superego. The id can be classified as “the primitive and instinctive component of personality”; ego can be classified as the part of the personality that “develops in order to mediate between the unrealistic id and the external real world”, and superego can be classified as the part of the personality that incorporates the values and morals of society which are learned from one's parents and others.” (McLeod). In Lord of the Flies, Many of the evil deeds in the story are committed at night, representing darkness. A perfect example of an evil deed that is committed at night would be the murder of Simon by all...

Words: 1050 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Archetypes In Brave New World

...Without the structure civilization provides, mankind naturally drifts toward disorder. When the rules of everyday society go away, people can give in to their deepest and darkest desires without thought of consequences. In the 20th century novels Brave New World and Lord of the Flies, Aldous Huxley and William Golding use the martyr archetype to show how civilization controls human evil. Without civilization, humans gravitate towards violence and chaos. The presence of a structural society limits the brutality of humans. In Brave New World, Huxley utilizes the martyr archetype John Savage to show the controlling nature of civilization. When John questions how humans can show heroism in such a deeply regulated world, Mustapha Mond tells him...

Words: 570 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Similarities Between Frankenstein And Lord Of The Flies

...Frankenstein and Lord of the Flies both have characters with comparable personalities living in similar environments. Both Golding and Shelly use them to present their ideas on human nature, and monster and ‘monstrous’. Comparison: The effect of environment on a person's character is an idea which is examined in both novels. In Lord of the Flies the boys’ inherent evil emerges when society and rules and regulations are withdrawn, whereas in Frankenstein the lack of human society and its nurturing and love is responsible for the evil that the creature does. Golding's idea of humanity is that it is integrally flawed by evil. That every human has evil within them. Golding used the names Ralph and Jack deliberately as they are characters from...

Words: 287 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Lord Of The Flies Ralph And Jack's Relationship

...Ralph and Jack’s relationship is a symbol for the theme of order vs. savagery in Lord of the Flies; the ups and downs of their relationship directly correlate with the development of the plot more so than any other. Jack is portrayed as controlling and aggressive when he first appears; he expects the unconditional obedience of others and is the quickest to openly insult the weakest of the group, Piggy. His behavior foreshadows his quick transition to savagery later in the book. Ralph, on the other hand, is calmer and less assertive. He is a firm believer in order and logical thinking, and so remains undeterred from his goal. In the beginning of Lord of the Flies, both of them demonstrate a shy liking for one another even though they had competed...

Words: 297 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Synthesis Essay: Archetypes

...Synthesis Essay: Archetypes As a person progresses in age, or experiences traumatic situations, it is common that the innocence once possessed as a child can dissipate. Innocence can be easily viewed as temporal due to its tendency to falter in a myriad amount of people. Loss of innocence is a prevalent archetypal theme in Star Wars, Grapes of Wrath, Lord of the Flies, A Separate Peace, and Swing Kids. Although all novels display this archetypal theme well, the character Tom in Grapes of Wrath suffers the greatest loss of innocence due to the tragic effects of the Great Depression and the crime he participates in. In Star Wars, a young man, Luke Skywalker, who has lost his parents, lives with his aunt and uncle and is brought into a world of violence on his mission to become a Jedi. He encounters the ultimate archetypal devil figure, Darth Vader. Darth represents the darkness humanity possesses. Although Luke’s encounters with supernatural beings and death are frequent in the film Star Wars, this sharply contrasts with the isolation Tom Joad faces in Grapes of Wrath. While Luke’s loss of innocence is accepted as a way of life in Star Wars, including killing clones and destroying an entire planet, Tom’s inability to tolerate injustice, resulting in violence, is a crime in the world of his character. Essentially, Luke’s loss of innocence brings him closer to the people in the world he is surrounded by; his destroying of the Death Star is an act of bravery. Tom kills men who...

Words: 1403 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Bilbo's Archetypes In The Hobbit

...the author of the Hobbit used various archetypes throughout the novel. Some archetypes that J.R.R Tolkien used in the Hobbit are communion, the hero, and the journey. The main character in the Hobbit is Bilbo Baggins and you wouldn’t think that a person with the personality of Bilbo would be the hero. Bilbo Baggins didn’t have any ambition in his life, he had hobbies but they were boring hobbies. In the beginning of the Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien uses the archetype of communion. Most people think of holy ceremony that takes place in church were everybody gets a small cup of grape juice and a tiny piece of bread. Communion is the act of intimate fellowship and rapport. Communion doesn’t have to happen in a church in fact you don’t just have to eat bread and drink grape juice. That is shown in the Hobbit because when Bilbo, Gandalf and the twelve dwarfs were eating dinner together that is also known as communion. When Bilbo leaves his Hobbit hole that is when the journey starts. The task for Bilbo Baggins is to help the dwarfs reclaim their treasure from Samug. During the beginning of their journey they encounter three hungry trolls who capture them all expect Gandalf. Gandalf saves them by tricking the trolls to stay outside into the sun comes up because they will have turned into stone. After...

Words: 801 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Cultural Collision In Lord Of The Flies

...school in Lord of the Flies Jack and his hunters violent actions escalate out of control. In William Golding's “Lord of the Flies” Jack’s violent sense of identity administers an uncontrollable savage response to the boys island culture. This cultural collision directly influences William Golding's purpose to prove that all humans are born evil. Previously to his arrival on the island Jack’s beliefs were firmly rooted in his upbringing of british culture. An example of this is on page 38 Jack says “We’ve got to have...

Words: 1283 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Horatian and Juvenalian Satire

...Horatian and Juvenalian Satire Satire has many definitions, but according to Merriam Webster satire can be defined as “A literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn” (Webster). This definition is likely used by many authors who exercise the application of satire. Satire has been in literature since ancient times; it is derived from the Latin satura, meaning "dish of mixed fruits," (Weisgerber). Many satirists have shared a common aim: to expose foolishness in all its guises — vanity, hypocrisy, formalism, reverence, and the intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself (Moyers). As previously mentioned, the term satire was originally derived from satura, defined by Quintilian, a roman rhetorician (Clarke). It was later discovered that two Roman poets, Juvenal and Horace, were responsible for further defining satirical works by their literary tone (Moyers). Thus, creating a systematic way to categorize satire into two different types, Horatian satire which approaches satirical observations, literature and performance in a humorous and lighthearted manner, and Juvenalian satire, which focuses on specific verbal or literary attacks on corrupt ideals or individuals (Weisgerber). I view Horatian satire as clever and humorous and find that it generally mocks others. Horatian is not negative; it aims to make fun of human behavior in a comic way. In a work using Horatian satire, readers often laugh at the characters in the story who are...

Words: 1893 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

The Book Thief

...All through the novel, the familial love shared between Liesel and her mother and brother, and Liesel and Hans, the friendship love shared between Liesel and Rudy, and Liesel and Max, and the romantic love shared between Hans and Rosa and Liesel and Rudy proved that love is a great form of therapy. This idea of love being a great healing therapy is also evident in The Lord of the Flies when Ralph and Piggy support each other by loving and being loyal to one another under extremely difficult circumstances, giving a great message that people should reach out to those they love in the times they need it...

Words: 1132 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Julius Ceasar

...The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (originally The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere) is the longest major poem by the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, written in 1797–98 and was published in 1798 in the first edition of Lyrical Ballads. Modern editions use a later revised version printed in 1817 that featured a gloss. Along with other poems in Lyrical Ballads, it was a signal shift to modern poetry and the beginning of British Romantic literature. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner relates the experiences of a sailor who has returned from a long sea voyage. The Mariner stops a man who is on the way to a wedding ceremony and begins to narrate a story. The Wedding-Guest's reaction turns from bemusement to impatience and fear to fascination as the Mariner's story progresses, as can be seen in the language style: for example, Coleridge uses narrative techniques such as personification and repetition to create either a sense of danger, of the supernatural or of serenity, depending on the mood of each of the different parts of the poem. The Mariner's tale begins with his ship departing on its journey. Despite initial good fortune, the ship is driven south off course by a storm and eventually reaches Antarctica. An albatross (symbolizing the Christian soul) appears and leads them out of the Antarctic but, even as the albatross is praised by the ship's crew, the Mariner shoots the bird ("with my cross-bow / I shot the albatross"). The crew is angry with the Mariner, believing the albatross...

Words: 21467 - Pages: 86

Premium Essay

British Literature of the 20th Century

...Contents Introduction 3 At the Turn of the Century 4 The 20th Century Literary Background 5 Modernism 6 Poets of the First World War 11 The Interwar Years 13 British Postwar Literature 19 Conclusion 27 References 29 Introduction The 20th century seems to be the most dramatic and unique: it witnessed two world wars and great social, economic and political changes. All this events could not but find their reflection in the arts in general and in the literature in particular. The urgency of the work is determined by the complexity of the period considered and variety of forms and trends which appeared during the century. The object of the project is British literature. The aim of the project is to consider the peculiarities and distinct features of the British literature of the 20th century. In order to gain the project’s aim, during its implementation the following practical issues were studied: - the most distinguished writers of the period; - their contribution to development of the British literature; - key topics. The project’s aim and issues considered predetermined the choice of methods of research. During the project’s implementation the following methods were used: critical survey of the sources on the issue considered, as well as comparison and analysis. Theoretical value of the project is constituted by the analysis of the peculiarities and distinct features of the British literature of the 20th century. Practical value of the project...

Words: 9384 - Pages: 38

Free Essay

Truth About Psychology

...Truth About Psychology There are many scriptures that talk about physical and spiritual healing, but there are none that prescribe the infirm to set out on a self-focused journey of behavior modification, which comes with self-help and psychology based solutions. You have been healed not with rules, steps, behavior modifications, accountability, and fear, but with peace and the power that comes from being fully hidden in Christ and completely filled with the Holy Spirit. You were reborn as a new creation; a race of people never before seen on this Earth. Over and over again, throughout the New Testament, you are given permission to be healed. Jesus died and with Him, your sinful nature died. You are no longer broken, weak or struggling, you have been fully restored and healed. Jesus came to Earth and was the beginning of a new creation. A new being. A race of people that would live for eternity, equipped with the same power, ability and inheritance as Jesus. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Verse after verse Jesus explains our new placement in the Kingdom and our new status. (John 10:25-30) Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit to equip us for the same power and good works that he had access to and experienced here on Earth. Once you were placed in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus says in John 14:15-27 that you will keep his commands, you know him, anyone...

Words: 6472 - Pages: 26

Free Essay

Religion

...The Gospel ACCORDING TO FEMIGOD He who has ears, let him hear The author and publisher have provided this e-book to you without Digital Rights Management software (DRM) applied so that you can enjoy reading it on your personal devices. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO FEMIGOD Copyright © 2013 by Femigod Ltd. Published by Femigod Ltd. www.femigod.com Femigod® is a registered trademark of Femigod Ltd. ISBN: 9780992642600 For my darling sister, Pero. I love you dearly. No matter what you want, it’s yours. Beyond money and weapons.  Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1 Book One: Understanding Mainstream and Organised Religion.............................................................. 5 Christianity ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Islam ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 Hinduism.............................................................................................................................................. 12 Buddhism ........................................................................................................................................... 155 Chinese traditional religions ...........

Words: 76280 - Pages: 306

Premium Essay

Complexity and Strategy

...Part IV Emerging and Integrating Perspectives January-2007 MAC/ADSM Page-213 1403_985928_17_cha14 January-2007 MAC/ADSM Page-214 1403_985928_17_cha14 CHAPTER 14 Complexity Perspective Jean Boulton and Peter Allen Basic principles The notion that the world is complex and uncertain and potentially fast-changing is much more readily acceptable as a statement of the obvious than it might have been 30 years ago when complexity science was born. This emerging worldview sits in contradistinction to the view of the world as predictable, linear, measurable and controllable, indeed mechanical; it is the so-called mechanical worldview which underpins many traditional approaches to strategy development and general management theory (see Mintzberg, 2002 for an overview). The complexity worldview presents a new, integrated picture of the behaviour of organisations, marketplaces, economies and political infrastructures; these are indeed complex systems as we will explain below. Some of these behaviours are recognised in other theories and other empirical work. Complexity theory is unique in deriving these concepts through the lens of a coherent, self-consistent scientific perspective whilst nevertheless applying it to everyday, practical problems. These key principles can be summarised here: There is more than one possible future This is a very profound point. We are willing to accept the future may be too complicated to know, but the notion...

Words: 12410 - Pages: 50