Photo AI
In Chapter 5 (Beast from Water), Ralph says ‘the rules are the only thing we’ve got’ - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 14 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 14
In Chapter 5 (Beast from Water), Ralph says ‘the rules are the only thing we’ve got’. How does Golding explore ideas about rules and order in Lord of the Flies? W... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In Chapter 5 (Beast from Water), Ralph says ‘the rules are the only thing we’ve got’ - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 14 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
what the boys say and do
Answer
Initially, the boys express excitement and happiness at being free from adult supervision. They experience a sense of liberation, which soon turns to chaos as they begin to reject the established rules. The conch shell, introduced by Piggy, becomes a powerful symbol of order and authority. The boys initially respect it, demonstrating their desire for civility. However, as their fear of the beast grows, they start prioritizing instinct over structure, leading to disorder. Ralph and Piggy's attempts to reinforce their rules illustrate the struggle to maintain social order amidst rising savagery. The contrast between the boys’ early attempts to create rules and their subsequent descent into chaos underscores the fragility of social constructs.
Step 2
how Golding presents ideas about rules and order
Answer
Golding portrays rules as essential for societal structure, yet simultaneously fragile in the face of primal instincts. Themes of respect and authority are intertwined with the boys' behavior, as seen when they first uphold the conch's power but later discard it. The irony of their descent into savagery serves as a commentary on human nature and the challenges of civilization. Through allegory, Golding explores how the absence of adult authority leads to chaos, reflecting on the human propensity for disorder when societal constraints are removed. The gradual deterioration of their society emphasizes Golding's belief in the precarious nature of civilization and the intrinsic struggle between order and chaos.