Compare the Ways H.G. Wells in the Island of Dr Moreau and...

Compare the ways H.G. Wells in The Island of Dr Moreau and William Golding in Lord of the Flies examine the struggle between civilisation and savagery in an isolated setting. H.G. Wells and William Golding diversely explore the struggle between civilisation and savagery in an isolated setting, through their novels: The Island of Doctor Moreau and Lord of the Flies. Both texts feature an untainted island location, where characters morality and humanity is challenged by fear and lack of order. Wells emphasises through vivid imagery and characterisation, the qualities of humanity that exist outside of the physical body, and employing rhetorical questions and biblical allusions, plays with class expectations and distinctions in his†¦show more content†¦Further examining the central conflict between the human impulse towards savagery and the rules of civilisation which direct it, Wells employs contrasting characters and biblical allusion, whilst Golding allegorically utilises symbols and clashes between central characters Ralph and Jack, who respectively represent civilisation and savagery. While Ralph uses his authority to protect the good of the gro up and enforce morality, insisting we must keep the fire burning, Jack abuses it, choosing to indulge his primal impulses. These distinctions are heightened through contrasting symbols: the conch shell which is associated with Ralph, Piggy’s glasses, and The Lord of the Flies which represents Jack. Ralph’s shell symbolises democratic order on the remote island, yet as the conflict between Jack and himself deepens, it becomes meaningless; ultimately signifying the deterioration of the islands civilisation, further enforced through alliterative imagery, where the sniggering of the savages became a loud, decisive jeer. Finally, during Piggy’s murder, its destruction whilst in Jack’s possession signifies the complete eradication of civilisation on the island. Correspondingly, the breaking of Piggys glasses represents a break from society, as Ralphs signal fire can no longer burn. Moreover, The Lord of the Flies represents the unity of the boys under Jacks rul e, as motivated by fear of the Beast, which symbolises