The Role of Personal Responsibility in Lord of the Flies: Understanding the Diffusion
Lord of the Flies, a novel by William Golding, is set on a deserted island and chronicles the lives of a group of British schoolboys who are stranded there. These boys quickly form a society, complete with rules and a hierarchy.
However, as the story progresses, their society begins to unravel due to the boys’ failure to take personal responsibility for their actions. This failure leads to a diffusion of responsibility, whereby the boys feel less accountable for their actions as the group grows larger.
Introduction
From the beginning of Lord of the Flies, it is clear that the boys on the island are accountable to no one but themselves. With no parents, teachers, or authority figures to hold them accountable, the boys are free to form a society and determine their own rules.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that this freedom comes with a significant cost. The boys’ inability to take personal responsibility for their actions leads to a diffusion of responsibility, which ultimately causes their society to collapse.
Body
The diffusion of responsibility is a psychological concept that refers to the tendency of individuals to feel less accountable for their actions when they are part of a larger group. As the group grows larger, each individual’s sense of responsibility decreases, and they no longer view themselves as solely responsible for their actions.
In Lord of the Flies, this diffusion of responsibility is apparent from the very beginning. As the boys form a society and elect Ralph as their leader, they establish rules and set up a system of order. However, as the group grows larger and more complex, the boys begin to shirk their responsibilities.
For example, when the boys first encounter a wild pig on the island, they become excited at the prospect of a hunt. However, when it comes time to actually kill the pig, they hesitate. Each boy feels less responsible for killing the pig than they would if they were alone. This lack of personal responsibility leads to a failure to act, and the pig escapes.
This same pattern of behavior is evident throughout the novel. As the boys become more involved in their society, they feel less responsible for their actions. This diffusion of responsibility leads to a breakdown in order and eventually to violence and chaos.
Conclusion
In Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses the concept of personal responsibility to demonstrate the fragility of society. When individuals fail to take responsibility for their actions, the group suffers. This is evident in the boys’ society on the island, which begins to collapse due to the diffusion of responsibility.
Ultimately, Golding’s novel serves as a warning against the dangers of a lack of personal responsibility. Without it, societies cannot survive, and individuals become lost in the chaos.
