seminar. thesis introduction to government democracy in lotf pros of democracy cons of democracy...
TRANSCRIPT
Seminar
ThesisIntroduction to governmentDemocracy in LOTFPros of DemocracyCons of DemocracyFascism in LOTFCons of FascismPros of Fascism Debate QuestionsConclusion
In Lord of the Flies, Ralph’s government, representing a democracy, was more successful than Jack’s representation of fascism or totalitarianism. This was because Ralph let the boys have an opinion on the island and he was more sensible and orderly in his leadership. Jack on the other hand was assertive and had an complete disregard for others, along with their needs. Ralph provided for the stranded children’s needs where Jack supports the less important wants.
The fundamental purpose of government is the maintenance of basic security and public order.“And another thing. We can’t have everybody talking at
once. We’ll have to have ‘Hands Up’ like at school.”(.31 Golding)
Laws are created to better the nation and maintain order.
Governments vary on the political spectrum and are found all around the world in different situations.
After first arrival on the island, through a democratic election, Ralph is voted by majority of the boys as chief over Jack
The conch: allowed the boys the right to express their opinions; whoever had the conch got to speak during group meetings
There were meetings held when decisions had to be made so that they could be made–this is how the parliament and senate make decisions
Ralph’s government had plans for how to sustain the needs of every person-it is how a democratic government functions; with a plan to fulfill necessities for the whole public
Ralph’s democratic group had laws and rules that everyone had to follow and this maintained order and peace on the island
Democracy was the most effective form of government in the LOTF, because:
The boys conducted meetings to discuss the issues on the island and this way all the problems were dealt with in an orderly manner and without any violence
A democracy allowed the boys to express all their opinions which in turn allowed different ideas to come forward and help solve any issues -all the boys were equal along with their speech
Ralph’s democracy laws and rules assisted with keep the boys civilized and to deter them from savagery
Because of the responsibilities everyone had to fulfill, the fire was kept going so that smoke could be made and the hope of being rescued was alive and the boys remained as civilized as possible ex. they made huts for shelter
Cons of DemocracyThe minority is not pleased; Jack felt belittled by
Ralph’s democracyMinority’s voice is not heard: the littleun’s fears
are not addressedMajority has power to over throw all others:
Ralph’s laws hinder Jacks desires to embark on his hunts
Lack of obedience to laws: responsibilities are neglected due to lack of reinforcement
Incoherence between law makers and citizens, Jack breaks the tribe into two newly formed governments
When the boys first landed, Jack automatically presumed he would be leader because he was in charge of the choir boys.
Later on in the book, Jack eventually takes control over most of the boys and what he says, goes.
Jack has turned them into savages disregarding the lives of others.
Eg: Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, Heinrich Himmler, Adolf Hitler, Ikki Kita, Benito Mussolini, Giovanni Gentile, Ante avelić, Konstantin Rodzaevsky, & Plínio Salgado
Usually a dictatorship, control is centralized. There are less conflicts within governmentThe whole body of the society acts as one unit
rather than multiple units. Goals can be met more efficiently and
expediently, but usually at the cost of standards of living, comfort, or at the expense of other people.
The politicians believe that their decisions are always correct without criticism from others.
“A [government] with utterly complete control.”
An absolute authority with far-sweeping powers and control of most major aspects of daily life, common issues are tended to more rapidly
Everybody is equal in all matters, socially, economically, etc.
Every person is employed which contributes to a stronger economy
Unity and cohesion lead to less violence and a lower crime rate
Question 1: Is democracy the only type of government which would work in this situation?
Question 2: Why might nations, represented by Jack’s fascism, choose fascism as their form of government?
Question 3: Is democracy the only “cure” for savagery?
Democracy thrived throughout LOTF as Ralph introduces order to the marooned boys
Jack’s fascism deteriorates as the boys under his leadership indulge in their primal instincts but eventual feel mistreated
Democracy has proven to satisfy the majority of the developed world while fascism is commonly found in second and third world countries