In
chapter two, the boys are on the top of the mountain whendeclares that they should designate
people to maintain the signal fire and states that there should be more rules. Ralph is
attempting to establish a civil society, andresponds by saying,
I agree with Ralph. Weve got to have rules and obey them. After all, were not savages.
Were English, and the English are best at everything. (Golding, 58)
Jack's comment underscores Golding's primary theme regarding
civilization vs. savagery. Jack is under the impression that the boys are civil because they are
English. Jack was taught that England is superior to other nations and his homeland is primarily
responsible for spreading civilization throughout the world.
As an English
man, Golding challenged this popular, prejudiced view regarding civility and superiority by
illustrating the boys' descent into savagery. As the novel progresses, the boys begin to revert
back to their primitive, savage nature and completely reject civilization. By depicting a group
of English boys as ruthless, barbaric, and savage, Golding is commenting on mankind's inherent
wickedness and suggesting that civilization is simply a thin veneer.
Jack's
comment regarding the English being the best at everything also underscores the theme of power
and authority. Jack is quick to agree with Ralph and believes that he is a superior leader. As
the novel progresses, Jack attempts to usurp power and ends up establishing his own tribe of
savages on the opposite end of the island, where he rules as a brutal
tyrant.
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