The Power of Evil Evil: A noun meaning profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity. Everyone has a little bit of evil in them, but it’s up to that person if they want to show it or not. In Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, a group of boys show the evil within themselves while being stranded on an island. Because of the situation that has been thrust upon them, they soon discover the true evil they are capable of. In the book, the boys show evil through their lust for power, the behavior that the boys express, and their murderous actions. When the boys first arrive on the island, they are all nothing but British school boys who had lived in society where rules and regulations are established. The rules and regulations, …show more content…

The events in the story are described almost as if the boys were animals or beasts themselves, "There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws" (Golding 153). Simon, who represented the good and innocence of society is now represented by the loss of civility and innocence because of his death. As for Piggy’s death, it is much different than Simon’s. While, Simon’s death is simply an accident due to false accusation, Piggy’s death is committed by a cold-hearted murderer. Piggy’s death took place when Jack and Ralph were fighting over the importance of being rescued. While they were fighting, Piggy cries out over the brawl trying to remind them the importance of rules and rescue, when suddenly Roger pulls a lever that pushes the rock towards Piggy. The rock went flying, sending Piggy down towards the rocks below and to his death, “Piggy fell forty feet and landed on his back across the square red rock in the sea” (Golding 181). After Piggy was killed, his death represents the loss of reason and civility. Golding reveals that humans are capable of being inherently evil though Simon’s and Piggy’s death. Golding shows that people can in fact be inherently evil through the lust of power, the way they express their behavior, and their murderous actions. If one is driven to obtain power, they can be evil through their actions. Jack, who desired to have power, showed evil through wanting to be a leader and go his