My thesis was: the boys’ progression of savagery on the island represents
human nature and how human’s conform to society and civilization. Throughout the book, Roger slowly loses his civilization and in a very symbolic way. In chapter four, Roger is throwing small rocks near Henry but purposely not hitting him. Towards the end of the book, Roger pushes the large boulder onto Piggy resulting in Piggy's death. This symbolism uses small rocks representing civilization and eventually moves onto large rocks representing savagery.
Textual Evidence:
"Yet there was a space around Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger's arm was conditioned by a civilization that new nothing of him and was in ruins." p. 62
"Roger, with a sense of delirious abandonment, leaned all his weight on the lever." p. 180
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