Survival is a central theme in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. The story follows a group of young boys who are stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. As they struggle to survive, they are faced with various challenges and conflicts that test their physical and mental strength. Throughout the novel, Golding explores the different strategies the boys employ to stay alive and the consequences of their actions.

In the beginning, the boys attempt to establish order and create a system of rules to ensure their survival. They elect Ralph as their leader and establish the conch as a symbol of authority. They also assign tasks such as building shelters and maintaining a signal fire. However, as time goes on, the boys become more focused on their own desires and lose sight of their initial goal. This lack of organization and unity leads to chaos and ultimately hinders their chances of survival.

Another aspect of survival in the novel is the boys’ struggle to find food. They initially rely on the fruit from the island, but soon realize that they need a more sustainable source of nourishment. This leads to the hunting of pigs, which becomes a symbol of power and dominance. The boys’ obsession with hunting not only reflects their primal instincts but also highlights their descent into savagery. The pursuit of food becomes a means of survival, but it also brings out the darker side of human nature.

The boys’ fear of the unknown also plays a significant role in their survival. They are constantly haunted by the presence of the “beast,” a mythical creature that they believe inhabits the island. This fear drives them to make irrational decisions and fuels their descent into savagery. The boys’ inability to confront their fears and rationalize their actions ultimately leads to their downfall.

Furthermore, the novel explores the theme of survival of the fittest. As the boys’ society collapses, a power struggle ensues between Ralph and Jack. Ralph represents order and civilization, while Jack represents savagery and anarchy. Jack’s tribe becomes more dominant as they tap into the boys’ primal instincts and offer them a sense of security. The boys are drawn to Jack’s tribe because it promises protection and a release from their fears. However, this survival strategy comes at the cost of their humanity and morality.

In conclusion, survival is a central theme in Lord of the Flies. The novel explores the different strategies the boys employ to stay alive and the consequences of their actions. It highlights the importance of order, unity, and rationality in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the boys’ inability to maintain these qualities leads to their downfall and serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization.