The Critique of Societal Structures in Lord of the Flies: Exploring How Golding Critiques the Concept of Civilization and Governance

Through Lord of the Flies, William Golding critiques the concept of civilization and governance by showing how fragile social structures are when individuals are placed outside of the norms and laws of society. The boys’ attempts to form a government and establish rules quickly unravel as they become more focused on power and survival than on maintaining order.

Golding’s portrayal of the boys’ descent into savagery illustrates the inherent instability of societal structures when authority is undermined and human nature is allowed to run its course. By comparing the boys’ behavior to the functioning of a society, Lord of the Flies becomes a commentary on the limitations and flaws of governance, highlighting the ease with which power structures can disintegrate in the face of chaos.


These SEO-optimized articles explore the key themes, characters, and social commentary in Lord of the Flies, offering in-depth analysis of Golding’s exploration of human nature, power, and societal breakdown. Let me know if you would like to dive deeper into any of these topics