How Golding Presents Violence and Its Effects in Lord of the Flies

William Golding presents violence in Lord of the Flies as a destructive force that gradually consumes the boys on the island, revealing the dark potential of human nature. Through the presentation of violent incidents, the transformation of characters, and the use of powerful symbolism, Golding explores the effects of violence on both individuals and society. (AO1 – strong opening and focus on the task)

From the beginning of the novel, Golding foreshadows the boys’ descent into violence. Although they arrive on the island with the rules and manners of British schoolboys, their civilised behaviour quickly begins to fade. One early example of this shift is Jack’s growing obsession with hunting. At first, he is unable to kill a pig because of “the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh.” This quote shows the psychological resistance to violence. The noun “enormity” suggests a moral weight, emphasising that Jack is still affected by civilised values. However, this moment marks the beginning of his transformation, as he later boasts about killing: “I cut the pig’s throat,” he says proudly. The brutal verb “cut” and the focus on the act itself reveal how violence becomes a source of pride and power for Jack. (AO1 and AO2 – detailed analysis of character and language)

As the novel progresses, violence becomes more frequent and more extreme. The killing of Simon is one of the most significant violent events in the novel, and it marks a turning point. Golding presents this scene using animalistic imagery and chaotic structure: “leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore.” The listing of violent verbs without names or punctuation creates a frenzied atmosphere, as if the boys are no longer individuals but a single violent mob. Simon, who represents innocence and spiritual insight, becomes a victim of their collective savagery. His death is particularly tragic because he was trying to bring the truth — that the Beast is not real — to the group. Golding uses this moment to show how violence silences truth and thoughtfulness. The effects are devastating: Ralph and Piggy, who took part in the killing, are filled with guilt, though most of the boys deny responsibility. This shows how violence not only destroys its victims but also morally corrupts those who participate. (AO1, AO2, AO3 – connecting character events with meaning and wider ideas)

Another key example of violence is Roger’s murder of Piggy. Roger, who starts the novel as a quiet boy, becomes increasingly sadistic. Golding describes how Roger “leans all his weight on the lever,” causing the boulder to crash down and kill Piggy. The cold, deliberate nature of Roger’s action contrasts with the chaotic frenzy of Simon’s death. Roger becomes a symbol of unrestrained cruelty. Piggy’s death is significant not only because it is violent but also because of what it represents — the destruction of logic, order and civilisation. The conch, which is shattered in the same moment, symbolises democracy and authority. Its destruction reinforces the idea that violence destroys the structures that keep society civilised. (AO2 – excellent use of symbolism and structure to develop analysis)

The boys who commit violence change profoundly. Jack becomes a symbol of tyrannical leadership, using violence to assert dominance. He paints his face as a “mask,” which Golding describes as “a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.” This symbolic use of the mask shows how violence is easier when identity and responsibility are hidden. It allows Jack and the others to become something other than human — something capable of terrible cruelty. Golding uses this to present the idea that violence is not only physical but psychological, allowing people to disconnect from guilt and empathy. (AO2 and AO3 – interpreting deeper meanings and author intention)

The final act of violence — the hunt for Ralph — shows how completely the boys have been consumed by savagery. They light a fire that engulfs the island in their attempt to kill him, showing how violence has spiralled beyond control. Ironically, it is this destructive fire that leads to their rescue, reinforcing Golding’s bleak message: that human beings, left unchecked, will destroy themselves. The naval officer who rescues them is shocked, but his own uniform and warship remind the reader that violence exists not just on the island, but in the adult world as well. (AO3 – contextual links to wider society and human nature)

Golding's presentation of violence is deeply influenced by his experiences as a naval officer during World War Two. He witnessed the capacity for ordinary people to commit terrible acts, and Lord of the Flies reflects this. The novel suggests that the human capacity for violence lies just beneath the surface, and that without the rules and boundaries of society, people will quickly revert to savagery. Through characters like Ralph and Piggy, who struggle to maintain order, Golding also explores the theme of standing up to violence and bullying. Piggy’s intelligence and morality are ultimately no match for Roger’s brutality, and this shows how fragile goodness can be in the face of cruelty. (AO3 – excellent understanding of historical context and its influence on Golding’s message)

Violence in the novel is not only used for survival, but also as a way to gain power. Jack’s use of punishment and fear echoes the tactics of dictators. Golding shows that violence is seductive because it provides a quick way to dominate others. At the same time, the effects are deeply damaging: the boys lose their innocence, and those who try to resist are either killed or left traumatised. By the end of the novel, Ralph is a broken figure, weeping for “the darkness of man’s heart,” which summarises the novel’s central idea: that the potential for violence exists within all humans, and it has horrifying consequences when unleashed. (AO1–3 – strong conclusion connecting violence to character, plot, and theme)

AO4: Clear and Effective Writing

The essay is written with a formal, academic tone appropriate for GCSE level. It uses a wide range of vocabulary (e.g., frenzied, sadistic, brutality, symbolic) and varied sentence structures. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are accurate throughout, helping to clearly communicate ideas and maintain a critical style.

Final Notes for Students

To achieve top marks:

• Use embedded quotations and analyse specific word choices (AO1 & AO2).

• Connect character development and symbolism to wider meanings and context (AO3).

• Write clearly and accurately with a critical, structured approach (AO4).