Chapters four and five: Lord of the Flies Prompt 3

Chapters four and five of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, is still part of the rising action.  We see the conflict arising, but know that it is not the turning point in the novel. The climax is nearing because the boys aren’t as civil as they used to be, which is a contributing factor to why some society’s fail while others thrive. During these chapters Ralph, the leader, calls for a meeting where he discusses the pitfalls within their society, and what they could to make it better and to survive. For example, in one meeting, Ralph claims “Things are breaking up. I don’t understand why. We began well; we were happy. And then….. Then people started getting frightened” (Golding 82). This quote shows how when they created their society, everyone was happy go lucky and optimistic about their survival. Once reality hit them and they realized that there was the possibility that the may die on the island, fear set in and has brought turmoil which they will need to quell to maintain a civil society. If they continue with this pessimistic attitude, nothing will get done and they will not survive. This proves that when a society loses sight of their goals the people living in the society will lose the motivation to work and to survive, which will cause a society to fail.

When a society loses sight of their motives and civility, it results in a failed society. Nearing the end of the meeting Ralph organized, Ralph proclaimed, “’The rules!’ shouted Ralph ‘ You’re breaking the rules!’ ‘Who cares?’ Ralph summoned his wits. ‘Because the rules are the only thing we’ve got!’” (Golding  91).  This shows that since the community they made for themselves to survive, has lost interest in sticking to the rules to make the society work, people of this community have become selfish and ignorant.  Laws and rules are the only thing a leader can enforce to ensure a stable society, therefore, a leader should do anything what is necessary to ensure that citizens are abiding by the rules. This proves that when people lose their civility and rationality it leads to a lack of community and unity and eventually a failed society.