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Rising Action for Lord of the Flies: A Harrowing Descent into Savagery

Lord of the Flies, William Golding's seminal novel, explores the fragile nature of civilization and the darkness that can lurk within human hearts. The rising action of the story, leading up to its harrowing climax, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the regression to primitive instincts.

The Crash and the Island

The novel opens with a group of English schoolboys crash-landing on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. Initially excited by their newfound freedom and sense of adventure, the boys soon face the daunting task of establishing order and governing themselves.

Ralph and Jack: Leaders in Conflict

Two boys emerge as natural leaders: Ralph, who represents reason and democracy, and Jack, who embodies a more primal, authoritarian nature. Ralph is elected chief, tasked with maintaining peace and harmony among the group. Jack, however, becomes increasingly disillusioned with Ralph's leadership and forms a separate tribe, driven by his desire for power and domination.

The Breakdown of Order

As the novel progresses, the boys' attempts at self-governance crumble under the weight of their own savagery. The division between Ralph's and Jack's tribes intensifies, leading to acts of violence and cruelty.

rising action for lord of the flies example

The Hunted Pig

The boys' descent into savagery is symbolized by their obsession with hunting pigs. The ritualistic killings become a conduit for their primal instincts and serve as a metaphor for the unchecked violence that can consume human beings.

Rising Action for Lord of the Flies: A Harrowing Descent into Savagery

Simon's Discovery

Simon, a solitary and contemplative boy, discovers the true nature of the "beast" that the others fear. He realizes that the beast is not an external threat but a reflection of their own inner darkness.

The Climax: The Final Confrontation

Ralph and Jack's tribes engage in a final, bloody confrontation on the island. Jack's tribe, driven by fear and hatred, overpowers Ralph's supporters. Ralph, the last bastion of civilization, is hunted down and nearly killed.

Themes and Symbolism

The rising action of Lord of the Flies is interwoven with a rich tapestry of themes and symbols:

The Crash and the Island

The tension between civilization and savagery
The corruption of power
The fragility of human nature
The importance of reason and the danger of irrationality

Tables for Analysis

The rising action of Lord of the Flies can be further dissected through the following tables:

Stage of Rising Action	Key Events	Analysis
Crash and Arrival	Boys crash-land on island	Stranded and without adult supervision, the boys are vulnerable to anarchy and regression.
Leadership Struggles	Ralph and Jack emerge as leaders	Power struggle between reason and savagery.
Breakdown of Order	Tribes divide and rivalry intensifies	Civilization gives way to primal instincts.
The Hunted Pig	Ritualistic hunting of pigs	Symbolizes the corruption of innocence and the awakening of violence.
The Climax	Final confrontation between tribes	Regression to complete savagery and loss of all hope.

Character	Role in Rising Action	Significance
Ralph	Elected chief	Represents reason, democracy, and failed attempts at maintaining civilization.
Jack	Leader of the hunters	Embodies primal instincts, authoritarianism, and the descent into savagery.
Simon	Solitary and contemplative	Discovers the true nature of the beast as a symbol of inner darkness.

Theme	Symbol	Analysis
Civilization vs. Savagery	The island	A microcosm of human society where both the best and worst of human nature are revealed.
Power Corruption	Jack's tribe	The abuse of power leads to violence and tyranny.
Fragility of Human Nature	The boys' descent into savagery	Humans are capable of both great kindness and unspeakable cruelty.

Conclusion: A Timeless Tale

The rising action of Lord of the Flies serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can reside within us all. The novel's harrowing depiction of the boys' descent into savagery is a timeless parable about the importance of maintaining civilization, fostering reason, and holding our darker impulses in check.

As you embark on your own exploration of this classic work of literature, consider the following questions:

How does the breakdown of order on the island reflect the potential for chaos in human societies?
What can we learn from Ralph's failed attempts to govern the boys about the challenges of leadership?
How does Simon's discovery of the true nature of the beast challenge our assumptions about the inherent goodness of humanity?