William Golding's Lord of the Flies is a chilling exploration of human nature, a descent into savagery masked by the veneer of civilization. The infamous phrase, "We'll be like animals," uttered by several characters throughout the novel, serves as a chilling prophecy and a powerful symbol of the boys' loss of innocence. This essay will delve into the significance of this phrase, examining its contextual usage and exploring its implications for the novel's central themes.
What Does "We'll Be Like Animals" Mean in Lord of the Flies?
The phrase "We'll be like animals" isn't a simple statement; it's a multi-layered reflection of the boys' evolving understanding of themselves and their primal instincts. It represents the gradual shedding of their civilized behavior and the embrace of a more brutal, instinctual existence. It's not merely a prediction of physical savagery but a profound commentary on the loss of moral compass, empathy, and societal structures. The boys aren't just becoming physically animalistic; they're losing their humanity.
How Does the Phrase Reflect the Boys' Gradual Descent into Savagery?
The transition isn't sudden. The initial stages involve a playful mimicking of animalistic behavior, a release of pent-up energy and freedom from the constraints of adult supervision. However, this playful mimicry gradually transforms into something far more sinister. As the boys struggle to maintain order and their resources dwindle, their fear and desperation fuel the escalation into violence. The phrase "We'll be like animals" acts as a grim foreshadowing of this inevitable decline, a warning that goes unheeded.
How Do Different Characters Interpret This Phrase?
The interpretation and usage of the phrase evolve depending on the character. Initially, it might be uttered with a sense of playful abandon, a carefree expression of youthful rebellion. As the situation deteriorates, however, the tone shifts. The phrase becomes a grim acknowledgement of their descent, a reflection of their growing fear and acceptance of their own brutality. Piggy's understanding of the phrase differs significantly from Jack's, highlighting the differing perspectives and moral compasses within the group. Piggy, representing intellect and reason, views the phrase with horror, while Jack, embracing the primal instincts, sees it as a liberation.
What Are the Symbolic Implications of "We'll Be Like Animals"?
The phrase's symbolic significance is multifaceted. It symbolizes the fragility of civilization, suggesting that the veneer of societal norms is easily broken under pressure. It also highlights the inherent conflict between human nature and societal constructs, questioning whether inherent goodness truly exists or is merely a product of learned behavior and societal conditioning. The island itself acts as a microcosm of the world, demonstrating how easily civilization can collapse in the absence of external authority and established rules.
Does the Phrase Predict a Specific Outcome?
While the phrase foreshadows the boys' descent, it doesn't precisely dictate a specific outcome. The degree of savagery varies among individuals, reflecting the inherent diversity within the group. Some boys resist the descent more strongly than others, demonstrating that even within a chaotic environment, individual moral compasses can still exert influence. The phrase, therefore, is a prophecy with a degree of ambiguity, allowing for individual interpretation and reflection on the complexities of human nature.
What is the Significance of the Phrase in Relation to the Novel's Ending?
The novel's ending, with the arrival of the naval officer, underscores the irony of the situation. The boys, having descended into savagery, are rescued by the representatives of the very civilization they have rejected. The officer's obliviousness to the horrors they have witnessed highlights the detachment of civilized society from the darker aspects of human nature. The phrase "We'll be like animals" serves as a stark reminder of the potential for savagery that lies beneath the surface of even the most seemingly civilized societies. The boys' "return" to civilization is not a true redemption, but rather a return to a system that may not fully address or understand the horrors they have experienced.
In conclusion, the seemingly simple phrase "We'll be like animals" in Lord of the Flies is far more complex and nuanced than it initially appears. It serves as a powerful symbol of the boys' loss of innocence, a chilling prophecy of their descent into savagery, and a profound reflection on the fragility of civilization and the inherent duality of human nature. The phrase's enduring power lies in its capacity to provoke reflection on the potential for both good and evil that resides within us all.
