In William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," the boys' reactions to the idea of having rules and a leader are mixed but ultimately reveal their varying attitudes toward civilization and authority.
Initially, when Ralph is introduced as a potential leader, the boys are somewhat receptive to the idea of organization and rules. Ralph calls for a vote to elect a leader, which reflects a democratic approach to governance. Many of the boys are eager to have structure, and Ralph's charisma and the symbol of the conch shell he uses to gather them contribute to a sense of order and hope for civilization. They see the establishment of rules as a mechanism for survival and a way to avoid chaos.
However, as the story progresses, the boys' enthusiasm for rules and leadership begins to wane, especially when Jack presents an alternative that embraces savagery and freedom from constraints. Jack's appeal to their primal instincts leads many boys to abandon Ralph's leadership and the rules established under his authority. They become increasingly drawn to the excitement and allure of hunting and tribalism, ultimately rejecting the structured society that Ralph attempts to maintain.
This shift illustrates a central theme of the novel: the tension between civilization and savagery. At first, the boys are hopeful about the possibility of maintaining order through rules and leadership, but as the story unfolds, their descent into chaos shows the challenges of sustaining a civilized society in the face of their more instinctive desires.
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