Tori Haggit

Haggit 1

Starkey
English 8
23/11/15
The Progression into Chaos
Lord of the Flies is a novel that portrays all the complex meanings of the world through the
microcosm of the island. L ord of the flies by William Golding explores civilization without precepts.
When a group of boys crash on an unpopulated island, they try to find order and intelligence in the midst
of their old culture. How is someone affected when they find themselves in an environment free of
guidance? The situation of no adult leader eventually leads to the devolution of morals. With the glasses
intact, the characters understand the necessary actions they have to take in order to survive and work
together. Without these glasses, the characters as well as their surroundings, develop into irrational chaos.
The progression of the glasses demonstrate the need for intelligence and clear thinking within the
boundaries of disorder.
When the boys first crash on the island, the presence and use of the glasses play a big role in
rational judgement. Listen, everybody. I've got to have time to think things out. I can't decide what to do
straight off. If this isn't an island we might be rescued straight away. So weve got to decide if this is an
island. Everybody must stay round here and wait and not go away. Three of usif we take more we get
mixed up and leave each otherthree of us will go on an expedition and find out (Golding 23). These
actions Ralph state are examples of clear thinking. He knows what he should do in the context of the
situation and does them without a second thought. The glasses also have a key use; they provide the only
hope on the island. His specsuse them as burning glasses! (40). The glasses are the only way for

Haggit 2
lighting the fire. Ralph exaggerates the understanding that without a fire, there is no way to be rescued.
He demonstrates knowledge of what must be done in order to survive.
The clear thinking that the characters have when the glasses are undamaged start to devolve as
one lense breaks. Many of their decisions start to cause havoc between each other. Ralph made a step
forward and Jack smacked Piggys head. Piggys glasses flew off and tinkled on the rocks (71). This is
the point in which the novel starts to go downhill. Many of the decisions made by the characters result in
chaos and confusion. Hes not a hunter. He never has got us meat. He isnt a prefect and we don't know
anything about him he just gives orders and expects people to obey for nothing. All this talk (126).
Instead of arguing they should be coming up with solutions to benefit themselves as a group. The boys no
longer understands that it is crucial for them to be intelligent while they are in this position.
When Piggys glasses are both broken and taken, things proceed into chaos. From his left hand
dangled Piggys broken glasses (168). Their actions are either taken much further than what is essential
to survive, or unnecessary in the situation at all. They were all running, all crying out madly. He could
hear them crashing in the undergrowth and on the left was the hot, bright thunder of the fire. He forgot his
wounds, his hunger and thirst, and became fear (200). Without the symbolism of the glasses the boys
and their surroundings go into turmoil. Their environment suffers the effects of the decisions they make.
The group doesn't care about what they need to do to get off of the island, they only care about surviving
in the present. These bad choices are a result of the broken glasses.
In conclusion, the glasses have a big impact on the novel. The development of the glasses follow
the development of the characters. When the glasses are broken, then the characters start making poor
decisions and lack understanding. The glasses have three distinct stages. First, the glasses are intact, then,
one of the lenses brakes, and finally, the glasses break all together and get stolen. The lack of intelligence
and civilization leads the boys disorder.