Essay on Behavior in All Quiet on the Western Front and Lord of the Fli

Comparison of pitying Behavior in All Quiet on the Western nominal head and Lord of the Flies An authors view of human behavior is often reflected in their works. The novels All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich maria Remarque and Lord of the Flies by William Golding are both examples of works that found their authors view of man, as well his opinion of war. Goldings Lord of the Flies is super demonstrative of Goldings opinion that society is a thin and fragile cover that when removed shows man for what he truly is, a savage animal. maybe the best demonstration of this given by Golding is Jacks progression to the eating of the sow. Upon firstborn landing on the island Jack, Ralph, and Simon go to survey their new home. Along the expression the boys have their first encounter with the islands pigs. They see a piglet caught in some of the plants. Quickly Jack draws his knife so as to kill the piglet. Instead of completing the act, however, Jack hesitates. Golding states that, The pause was only long overflowing for them to realize the enormity of what the downward stroke would be. Golding is suggesting that the societal taboos placed on cleansing are still ingrained within Jack. The next substantive encounter in Jacks progression is his first killing of a pig. in that location is a description of a great celebration. The boys chant Kill the pig. skitter her throat. Spill her blood. It is clear from Goldings description of the revelry that followed the killing that the act of the run for provided the boys with more than food. The action of killing another living thing gives them pleasure. The stand firm stage in Jacks metamorphosis is demonstrated by the murder of the sow. Golding describes the killing almost as a rape. He says, Jack was on... ...ough the actions of his characters, attempts to illustrate that infra chaotic circumstances, when removed normal society, man reverts to what his nature deems him to be, a erosive creature. Remar ques characters, on the other hand, manage to show compassion and humane treatment of others despite being thrust into a situation more noble than that of Goldings characters. Where Golding feels war is a result of humankinds vile nature, Remarque sees it as an evil brought virtually by only a select few. Works Cited Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. bleak York Berkley, 1954. Babb, Howard S. The Novels of William Golding. N.p. Ohio State UP, 1970. Beetz, Kirk H., ed. Beachams Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction. Vol. 5. Osprey n.p., 1996. 5 vols. Epstein, E. L. Afterword. Lord of the Flies. By William Golding. New York Berkley, 1954.