Tutor profile: Jessica T.

Short Answer: Write an analytical paragraph detailing William Golding's opinion on leadership models as illustrated through his symbolic characters.

William Golding’s allegorical novel, Lord of the Flies, finds much fault within traditional models of leadership. His symbol of civilization and ideal leadership, depicted through the character of Ralph, falls short by catering to what his subjects need, instead of what they want. Conversely, the power-hungry Jack is an archetype of a dictator, skilled at making promises and gaining power rapidly - although his style of leadership is no more effective, ultimately leading to the undoing of morality, loss of innocence, and descent into total savagery on the island. The novel forces the reader to question what, if any, style of leadership is truly effective. Though the character of Jack - the symbol of control, power, and pure evil - could lead with little objection, the character of Ralph - most closely associated with “good” leadership - is more effective in terms of longevity and focus.

How are some especially traumatic and/or stressful memories stored in the brain? Why can some people not recall particularly traumatic events? Why does our brain do this?

The brain - in charge of regulating all functions that keep us alive - also serves as an incredible protector. It has the ability to reassign memories to areas of the brain that are inaccessible to the normal thought process - our subconscious mind. While these memories may be irretrievable without cognitive behavior therapy, they are not completely wiped away; thus, a person who has experienced an immensely stressful event will find that their actions are driven by the event without actually being cognizant that the event ever occurred.

In William Golding's Lord of the Flies - What universal truth/message (about life, about human beings, about human nature, etc.) does Golding attempt to convey? Which character is this best illustrated through?

William Golding’s allegorical novel, Lord of the Flies, criticized human nature through the exploits of group of seemingly innocent children who were marooned on a deserted island. Although the children made half-hearted attempts to establish and maintain civilized order, they ultimately succumbed to the darkness that tugged at their souls throughout their misadventure. The novel’s message serves as a warning for all of humanity - one must consistently and fervently seek the light to avoid being consumed by the dark. Golding’s ideal leader, and the epitome of civilized order, was illustrated through the character of Ralph. Ralph was charismatic and likeable and probably would have been capable of maintaining order if not for the inherent darkness that was present on the island and manifested by the mystical Beast - the ultimate undoing of their society. The Beast drove the boys to rebel, to chant "Kill the beast! Cut its throat! Spill its blood! Do him in!", and to ultimately act on their deepest desires. Although Ralph did not participate in all of the malevolence on the island, he was a witness - which is a crime against humanity in and of itself. Through this segue from childlike innocence to maniacal rebellion, the author gives society a long, hard look in the mirror - ultimately, each and every individual must make the conscious decision to honor his or her morality.