As the motif of evil is the central theme in William Golding’s work, I will consider in my term paper his definition of evil and its realization in his first two novelsLord of the Flies(1954) andThe Inheritors(1955). How did he under-stand this complex but central motif of human life and religion? Is there a general position towards evil that can be recognized in his work? Did he consider human beings as generally evil or generally good? - Thinking about the idea of “evil”, many questions arise. Trying to answer some of them, I will concentrate mainly on the book we talk about in class,The Inheritors,his second and - as he himself said - favourite novel.
In summary,The Inheritorsdeals with evolution and the development of human beings. On the example of a Neanderthal group, Golding depicts the conflict between the Neanderthalers and the “New Men”2,homo sapiens,which finally ends in the death of the Neanderthalers and the victory of the superiorhomo sapiens.But arehomo sapiensreally superior to the Neanderthalers? What is Golding’s position?
In a further step, I will examine Golding’s first and most famous novel,Lord of the Flies(1954), for the idea of evil. Is the attitude he gives inThe In-heritorsthe same as inLord of the Flies?Or did his view change after the first novel?
As a summary, I would like to give a final conclusion of Golding’s un-derstanding of his central motif “evil” and consider perspectives for further examinations.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of “Evil”
2.1 Common definition
2.2 Golding’s definition
3. The Concept of Evil in The Inheritors
3.1 Summary: The plot of The Inheritors
3.2 Characteristics of Golding’s Neanderthalers
3.3 Homo sapiens’ characteristics
3.4 An interpretation
4. Evil in Lord of the Flies
4.1 Summary: The plot of Lord of the Flies
4.2 Evil in Lord of the Flies
5. Conclusion and perspectives
Research Objective and Key Themes
This paper explores William Golding's conceptualization of "evil" and its manifestation in his seminal novels, Lord of the Flies and The Inheritors. The central research objective is to analyze whether Golding views evil as an innate human characteristic or a result of social development, while investigating the transition from innocence to moral complexity.
- The theological and dictionary-based definitions of "evil".
- A comparative analysis of the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in The Inheritors.
- The role of intelligence and the "Fall of humankind" in Golding’s philosophy.
- The examination of intrinsic human malice in Lord of the Flies.
- The evolution of Golding's perspective on human nature before and after the Second World War.
Excerpt from the Book
3.4 An interpretation
Considering the comparison between the two groups of human beings, it is easy to divide them into good (People) and bad/evil (New Men). But can this division really be made so clearly? Does this not mean to use simplifying stereotypes?
It is a fact that the People have many positive characteristics and that they act in a better way than the New Men. We like to identify with them because we wish that we could be a little bit like them. And probably it is our obvious choice to blame the New Men for the cruel extinction of the poor, harmless People. But are the New Men the only reason that the People died out? If they had not been killed, would they have been able to survive?
Following McCarron’s thesis, the People would not have been able to survive, even if the New Men had not arrived. They were too passive, not intelligent enough, “doomed to extinction by the lack of those qualities which enable the New Men to control their environment.” He sees evidence for a beginning climatic change because of the unusually cold spring.
In his opinion the final chapter has the intention to lead the reader to a more complex view on those two groups. The reader is able to identify also with the New Men: “this final chapter ensures that we do not make the sentimental mistake of blaming the New Men”.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the central theme of evil in Golding’s work and defines the scope of the paper, focusing on The Inheritors and Lord of the Flies.
2. Definition of “Evil”: This chapter examines various definitions of evil from dictionary and theological perspectives, alongside Golding's personal shift in opinion regarding human nature post-WWII.
3. The Concept of Evil in The Inheritors: This section provides a detailed plot summary, a character analysis of the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, and an interpretation of these groups as symbols of evolving human morality.
4. Evil in Lord of the Flies: This chapter analyzes the manifestation of innate malice in Lord of the Flies, interpreting the title as a metaphor for the dark side within every human being.
5. Conclusion and perspectives: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, arguing that Golding equates the "Fall" with the acquisition of rational intelligence and the subsequent capacity to choose evil.
Keywords
William Golding, Evil, The Inheritors, Lord of the Flies, Human Nature, Neanderthals, Homo sapiens, Theodicy, Morality, Intelligence, Original Sin, Violence, Matriarchal Religion, Innate Malice, Evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines William Golding's concept of "evil" as a central motif in human life and religion, specifically analyzing how this theme is realized in his first two novels.
Which novels by William Golding are analyzed?
The study focuses on The Inheritors (1955) and Lord of the Flies (1954).
What is the research question regarding human nature?
The work investigates whether Golding perceives human beings as generally evil or good, and how their capacity for evil develops through increased intelligence and rational thinking.
What methodology is employed to analyze these texts?
The author uses a literary and theological approach, comparing character dynamics, societal structures, and symbolic elements within the narratives to draw conclusions about Golding’s worldview.
What is covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers definitions of evil, a deep dive into the clash between Neanderthals and New Men in The Inheritors, and an analysis of the moral decay of children in Lord of the Flies.
Which terms are most relevant to characterizing this work?
Key terms include "innate evil," "original sin," "intelligence," "evolution," and "theodicy."
How does Golding interpret the "Fall of humankind" in The Inheritors?
The author argues that Golding views the "Fall" not as disobedience to God, but as the moment humanity gained enough intelligence to consciously imagine and perform evil acts.
Why are the Neanderthals in The Inheritors considered innocent?
They are presented as instinctive and guileless; their lack of advanced intellectual capacity meant they were incapable of conceptualizing evil, unlike the "New Men."
- Quote paper
- Katrin Annegarn (Author), 2005, The Concept of Evil in William Golding, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/67445
