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Roger and Jack in Lord of the Flies

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Golding’s novel, "Lord of the Flies," shows that evil is unavoidable in human nature. It demonstrates that an individual removed from civilization will allow their evil instincts to manifest themselves, as one becomes increasingly savage. This is demonstrated through 2 characters, Roger and Jack. Both Roger and Jack act impulsively, in order to instantly fulfil their needs and desires. Both also demonstrate an affinity for violence. As Roger and Jack are introduced in the novel, a sense of evil is suggested. This is first demonstrated by the characterization of Roger, “There was a slight, furtive boy whom no one knew, who kept to himself with an intensity of avoidance and secrecy," (18). Golding’s use of the word, "furtive," implies that Roger was attempting to avoid attention, in expression of his hidden motives. It is also indicated that he is a quiet boy, as he, “muttered his name was Roger and was silent again.” The same sense of evil is shown when Jack is introduced, “The boy himself came forward [] and peered into him was almost complete darkness Ralph, sensing his sun-blindness, answered him,” (16). Golding deliberately uses the darkness of Jack to juxtapose Ralph’s sun-blindness, to show the brightness of the island, emphasizing the darkness that is described to be Jack. In addition to this, Jack was dressed in a black cloak. Figuratively, a cloak may be anything that disguises or conceals something. This symbolizes that Jack is secretive. Later on, the evil within Roger and Jack is emphasized through their actions and intentions. In chapter one, Jack, “raised his arm in the air,” ready to bring a blade down to kill the piglet. However, “there came a pause, [] long enough for them to understand what an enormity the downward stroke would be,” (28). At that moment, there was enough time for Jack to realize that he had lacked hunting experience, resulting in the escape of the piglet. The boys around Jack k

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