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Caelus
04/12/2025
English Literature
Lord of the Flies (LOTF) civilisation
53
•
4 Dec 2025
•
Exploring Civilization in Lord of the Flies
Caelus
@caelus
1 / 3
The Breakdown of Civilisation
Ever wondered how quickly society could crumble without proper rules? Golding shows us exactly this through the boys' rapid descent from order to chaos.
Jack's ironic declaration that "we've got to have rules and obey them. After all we are not savages" becomes one of the novel's most telling moments. Ralph believes rules are essential to keep them civilised, but this statement is loaded with foreshadowing - hinting at the savagery that's about to unfold.
The quote "The world, that understandable and lawful world was slipping away" captures the boys' psychological separation from everything they once knew. This isn't just about being physically stranded - they're losing their mental and emotional connection to civilisation itself.
Key Insight: Golding suggests that civilisation is just a thin layer that can quickly erode when fear and instinct take control. The boys' transformation shows how fragile our social structures really are.
Ralph as the Voice of Civilisation
Ralph stands as the novel's symbol of order, but watch how his frustration grows as civilisation slips through his fingers like sand.
His desperate plea - "The fire is the most important thing on the island. How can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don't keep the fire a going?" - shows his commitment to long-term thinking and cooperation. The fire represents hope and connection to the civilised world, but it becomes a major source of conflict between Ralph and Jack.
Ralph's moral challenge "which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?" cuts straight to the heart of the novel. He's not trying to win an argument - he's forcing the boys to choose between civilisation and savagery.
Remember: Ralph represents structure, rules, and collective responsibility, while Jack embodies control through fear, violence, and instant gratification. This conflict drives the entire narrative forward.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
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iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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Exploring Civilization in Lord of the Flies
Caelus
@caelus
Lord of the Flies explores what happens when civilisation breaks down and human nature takes over. Golding shows us how quickly order can collapse when fear and power struggles replace rules and cooperation.
The Breakdown of Civilisation
Ever wondered how quickly society could crumble without proper rules? Golding shows us exactly this through the boys' rapid descent from order to chaos.
Jack's ironic declaration that "we've got to have rules and obey them. After all we are not savages" becomes one of the novel's most telling moments. Ralph believes rules are essential to keep them civilised, but this statement is loaded with foreshadowing - hinting at the savagery that's about to unfold.
The quote "The world, that understandable and lawful world was slipping away" captures the boys' psychological separation from everything they once knew. This isn't just about being physically stranded - they're losing their mental and emotional connection to civilisation itself.
Key Insight: Golding suggests that civilisation is just a thin layer that can quickly erode when fear and instinct take control. The boys' transformation shows how fragile our social structures really are.
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Ralph as the Voice of Civilisation
Ralph stands as the novel's symbol of order, but watch how his frustration grows as civilisation slips through his fingers like sand.
His desperate plea - "The fire is the most important thing on the island. How can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don't keep the fire a going?" - shows his commitment to long-term thinking and cooperation. The fire represents hope and connection to the civilised world, but it becomes a major source of conflict between Ralph and Jack.
Ralph's moral challenge "which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?" cuts straight to the heart of the novel. He's not trying to win an argument - he's forcing the boys to choose between civilisation and savagery.
Remember: Ralph represents structure, rules, and collective responsibility, while Jack embodies control through fear, violence, and instant gratification. This conflict drives the entire narrative forward.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content: Logical Progression
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user