Unfolding the Truths Behind the Novel: Lord of the Flies

Following my previous article on Freud’s different theories surrounding dreams, other of his many theories also make up the essence of a book I have recently read: The Lord of the Flies. The novel by William Golding serves as a profound exploration of human nature, particularly if analysed through a psychoanalytical lens. This article will explore Freud's model of the psyche (id, ego, superego), the dynamics of power and control, the concept of trauma, and the implications of dehumanisation.

The Id: Jack Merridew

Jack Merridew is the embodiment of the id, representing humanity's primal instincts and desires. Freud characterised the id as the part of the psyche that operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification without regard for consequences. Jack’s character arc illustrates a regression into savagery as he becomes increasingly dominated by his id-driven impulses. Jack’s initial portrayal as a choirboy quickly devolves into a figure driven by aggression and dominance. His declaration: ‘We’ll hunt. I’ll be chief’, signals his desire for power and control, and also foreshadows his descent into barbarism. The violent act of killing a pig is described through visceral imagery: ‘The air was full of sweat and noise and blood and terror’. This moment not only highlights Jack's sadistic tendencies but also suggests an unsettling sexual undertone to his violence, emphasised through the use of an asyndetic list which also reflects Freud's assertion that many primal urges are intertwined with aggression.

Jack’s id-driven behaviour culminates in his tyrannical leadership of a tribe that revels in chaos and brutality. His manipulation of fear (embodied in the concept of ‘the beast’) serves to consolidate his power as can be seen through the quote: ‘‘Fear can't hurt you any more than a dream’. By exploiting the boys' fears, Jack effectively channels their primal instincts, showcasing how unchecked id can lead to despotism.

The Ego: Ralph

In contrast to Jack, Ralph represents the ego, which mediates between the desires of the id and the moral constraints imposed by society. As a leader, Ralph strives to maintain order and civilisation among the boys, embodying rationality and democratic ideals. His commitment to keeping the signal fire burning perhaps symbolises hope for rescue and a return to civilisation. Ralph’s internal struggles become evident as chaos envelops the island. He grapples with his own darker instincts during Simon’s tragic death, where he becomes complicit in violence despite his initial intentions: ‘The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments’. This moment signifies not only the loss of order but also Ralph's realisation that he is not immune to savagery. His role as peacekeeper becomes increasingly challenging as he witnesses civilisation’s disintegration around him.

Ralph’s attempts to maintain order often clash with Jack’s impulsive nature. He embodies Freud's notion that the ego must balance between primal desires and moral imperatives. Ralph reflects on this burden when he states, ‘If you’re a chief, you’ve got to think’, highlighting his awareness of leadership responsibilities amidst growing chaos. His struggle illustrates how the ego must navigate between the id's demands for pleasure and immediate gratification while upholding societal norms.

The Superego: Piggy

Piggy serves as a representation of the superego, embodying morality, social norms, and rational thought. He is characterised by intelligence and a commitment to order, often advocating for rules and structure among the boys. Piggy's reliance on logic becomes apparent when he finds the conch shell, recognising its potential to summon others: ‘We can’t be rescued if we don’t have rules’. His insistence on civility underscores his role as the moral compass within the group. However, Piggy’s underdeveloped superego leads to self-doubt and repetitive aggression towards the others when he feels marginalised as can be seen through the quote, ‘I got the conch! Just you listen!’. His constant need for validation underscores his vulnerabilities revealing both his desperation for authority and his struggle for recognition within a chaotic environment. This moment illustrates how Piggy's moral stance is often undermined by his physical vulnerability. Throughout ‘The Lord of the Flies’, Piggy's tragic fate underscores how societal breakdown can obliterate moral values. His death symbolises not only the loss of rationality but also the complete annihilation of civilised behaviour among the boys. When Roger kills Piggy by rolling a boulder onto him, it signifies not just an act of violence but also a rejection of reason and morality (the very essence that Piggy represented).

Trauma and Its Effects

The novel also explores themes related to trauma (both individual and collective) highlighting how traumatic experiences can lead to psychological regression. The boys’ isolation from civilisation acts as a catalyst for their descent into savagery; they are stripped of societal norms that typically govern behaviour. This trauma manifests in various ways: Jack becomes increasingly aggressive, Ralph struggles with despair and Piggy faces constant ridicule that exacerbates his insecurities. Freud's theories on trauma suggest that unresolved psychological conflicts can lead to destructive behaviour. The boys' experiences on the island serve as a microcosm for broader societal issues; they reflect how trauma can distort human nature and lead individuals to act against their moral

compass.

The Dynamics of Power and Savagery

The interactions among Jack, Ralph and Piggy perhaps also illustrate a broader commentary on human nature. As Jack rises to power, he represents an unchecked id that revels in chaos and violence. In contrast, Ralph’s attempts to uphold civilisation become increasingly futile against Jack’s primal nature. This dynamic reflects Golding’s assertion that humans possess an inherent capacity for evil that can surface when civilisation is stripped away.

Simon’s insight that "the beast is us" encapsulates this theme, suggesting that true horror lies within humanity itself rather than external forces. The boys' descent into savagery serves as a microcosm for society at large, raising critical questions about morality, authority and the fragility of civilisation amongst readers.

Dehumanisation

Another critical concept explored in ’The Lord of the Flies’ is dehumanisation. As Jack gains power, he dehumanises both his enemies (the pigs) and fellow boys who oppose him. This is evident when he refers to Ralph as ‘a coward’ undermining Ralph's authority while simultaneously elevating himself.

The ritualistic killing of pigs serves as an outlet for Jack’s id-driven impulses but also reflects a broader theme of dehumanisation. The boys' descent into savagery culminates in Simon's murder: a tragic event where they fail to recognise him as one of their own (‘Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!’). This chant which makes use of a tricolon, illustrates how a mob mentality can strip individuals of their humanity, reducing them to mere instruments of violence making them prone to manipulation.

A fascinating psychological study

The Lord of the Flies offers an intricate psychological study that delves deep into human behaviour under duress through various concepts including Freud's id, ego, superego framework, trauma theory and themes of dehumanisation. By examining characters like Jack, Ralph and Piggy through a psychoanalytical lens, Golding reveals fundamental truths about human nature: that the struggle between civilisation and savagery is not merely external but internal as well. Ultimately, Golding challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity's inherent darkens and society’s tainted nature. The novel serves as a stark reminder that when stripped of societal norms, individuals may succumb to their basest instincts, highlighting both a grim view of human nature and an urgent reminder about civilisation’s delicate balance.

Liora B, Year 12