Question
In 1983, the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to William Golding for his great contributions to the field, particularly literature that analyzed the human condition. The Nobel Prize was presented by Professor Lars Gyllensten, a member of the Swedish Academy. In Gyllensten's speech, he quotes Golding as saying, "Man produces evil as a bee produces honey." Gyllensten then elaborates on Golding's quote:
"Golding inveighs* against those who think that it is the political or other systems that create evil. Evil springs from the depths of man himself―it is the wickedness in human beings that creates the evil systems or that changes what from the beginning is, or could be, good into something iniquitous* and destructive."
Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Golding and Gyllensten's claims about humanity being inherently evil, and thus responsible for evil systems, are valid.
*inveighs = speaks or writes about something with hostility
*iniquitous = grossly unfair or morally wrong
Directions:
In your response, you should do the following:
• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
• Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
1. Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Golding and Gyllensten's claims about humanity being inherently evil, and thus responsible for evil systems, are valid. (1 intro paragraph, 2 body paragraphs, 1 conclusion and 3 pieces of evidence from the novel 'The Lord of the Flies')
"Golding inveighs* against those who think that it is the political or other systems that create evil. Evil springs from the depths of man himself―it is the wickedness in human beings that creates the evil systems or that changes what from the beginning is, or could be, good into something iniquitous* and destructive."
Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Golding and Gyllensten's claims about humanity being inherently evil, and thus responsible for evil systems, are valid.
*inveighs = speaks or writes about something with hostility
*iniquitous = grossly unfair or morally wrong
Directions:
In your response, you should do the following:
• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
• Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
1. Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Golding and Gyllensten's claims about humanity being inherently evil, and thus responsible for evil systems, are valid. (1 intro paragraph, 2 body paragraphs, 1 conclusion and 3 pieces of evidence from the novel 'The Lord of the Flies')
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the discourse surrounding human nature and the origins of evil, William Golding’s assertion that “man produces evil as a bee produces honey” serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent darkness within humanity. In his analysis, Professor Lars Gyllensten emphasizes Golding's belief that it is not external systems that corrupt individuals, but rather the intrinsic wickedness that resides within humanity itself. This perspective invites a critical examination of how individual moral failings contribute to the establishment of iniquitous systems. Through a close reading of Golding's novel, *The Lord of the Flies*, one can argue that Golding and Gyllensten's claims about humanity’s inherent evil not only hold validity but are illustrated powerfully through the characters and events in the narrative.
One of the most salient pieces of evidence supporting Golding's thesis is the transformation of Ralph from a symbol of order and civilization into a figure overwhelmed by chaos. Initially, Ralph represents the instinct to create a structured society, advocating for rules and collaboration. However, as the isolation from civilization deepens, Ralph's efforts are thwarted by the primal instincts awakened in the boys. This is exemplified when the group descends into savagery, prioritizing their base desires over collective well-being. Ralph’s struggle symbolizes the fragile nature of civilization and highlights that once the veneer of social order is stripped away, the darker impulses of humanity surface. Thus, Golding’s portrayal of Ralph and the group's disintegration supports the notion that inherent human flaws catalyze the creation of destructive systems.
Another compelling example can be found in the character of Jack, who embodies the descent into savagery and the embrace of evil. Initially, Jack begins as a choir leader—dependent on social hierarchy and order. However, as the narrative progresses, he increasingly rejects the civilized norms upheld by Ralph, ultimately surrendering to his primal instincts. The moment when he declares, “We’re not savages. We’re English,” marks a pivotal transformation, wherein Jack consciously chooses the path of violence and chaos, positioning himself as a tyrannical leader. Jack’s rise to power symbolizes the ease with which noble intentions can give way to brutality when power is unchecked and moral integrity falters. This exemplifies Golding’s assertion that evil is an intrinsic quality of humanity, with the potential to dominate under the right circumstances, ultimately leading to oppressive systems.
Lastly, the horrific killing of Simon illustrates the culmination of the boys’ descent into barbarism and their collective responsibility for evil acts. Simon, symbolizing innate goodness and a prophetic insight into the true nature of the “beast,” becomes a victim of the boys’ unrestrained savagery during a frenzied ritual. As they brutally kill him, they destroy the last remnant of innocence, depicting a complete surrender to their primal instincts. This moment serves as a grim reminder of how easily humanity can devolve into violence when communal bonds are severed, reinforcing Golding's assertion that evil is not limited to external forces but is rooted deep within human nature. The boys’ actions reflect a collective moral failure, illustrating Gyllensten's argument that it is the wickedness in human beings that creates evil systems and actions.
In conclusion, Golding and Gyllensten's claims regarding humanity’s inherent evil are profoundly illustrated through the events and character dynamics of *The Lord of the Flies*. The transformation of Ralph, Jack’s embrace of savagery, and Simon’s tragic fate collectively emphasize the notion that the roots of evil lie within human beings themselves. As individuals yield to their darker instincts, they inadvertently shape destructive systems that perpetuate further cruelty, underscoring the timeless relevance of Golding's insights into the human condition.
One of the most salient pieces of evidence supporting Golding's thesis is the transformation of Ralph from a symbol of order and civilization into a figure overwhelmed by chaos. Initially, Ralph represents the instinct to create a structured society, advocating for rules and collaboration. However, as the isolation from civilization deepens, Ralph's efforts are thwarted by the primal instincts awakened in the boys. This is exemplified when the group descends into savagery, prioritizing their base desires over collective well-being. Ralph’s struggle symbolizes the fragile nature of civilization and highlights that once the veneer of social order is stripped away, the darker impulses of humanity surface. Thus, Golding’s portrayal of Ralph and the group's disintegration supports the notion that inherent human flaws catalyze the creation of destructive systems.
Another compelling example can be found in the character of Jack, who embodies the descent into savagery and the embrace of evil. Initially, Jack begins as a choir leader—dependent on social hierarchy and order. However, as the narrative progresses, he increasingly rejects the civilized norms upheld by Ralph, ultimately surrendering to his primal instincts. The moment when he declares, “We’re not savages. We’re English,” marks a pivotal transformation, wherein Jack consciously chooses the path of violence and chaos, positioning himself as a tyrannical leader. Jack’s rise to power symbolizes the ease with which noble intentions can give way to brutality when power is unchecked and moral integrity falters. This exemplifies Golding’s assertion that evil is an intrinsic quality of humanity, with the potential to dominate under the right circumstances, ultimately leading to oppressive systems.
Lastly, the horrific killing of Simon illustrates the culmination of the boys’ descent into barbarism and their collective responsibility for evil acts. Simon, symbolizing innate goodness and a prophetic insight into the true nature of the “beast,” becomes a victim of the boys’ unrestrained savagery during a frenzied ritual. As they brutally kill him, they destroy the last remnant of innocence, depicting a complete surrender to their primal instincts. This moment serves as a grim reminder of how easily humanity can devolve into violence when communal bonds are severed, reinforcing Golding's assertion that evil is not limited to external forces but is rooted deep within human nature. The boys’ actions reflect a collective moral failure, illustrating Gyllensten's argument that it is the wickedness in human beings that creates evil systems and actions.
In conclusion, Golding and Gyllensten's claims regarding humanity’s inherent evil are profoundly illustrated through the events and character dynamics of *The Lord of the Flies*. The transformation of Ralph, Jack’s embrace of savagery, and Simon’s tragic fate collectively emphasize the notion that the roots of evil lie within human beings themselves. As individuals yield to their darker instincts, they inadvertently shape destructive systems that perpetuate further cruelty, underscoring the timeless relevance of Golding's insights into the human condition.