Answer: Certainly, here is a possible essay for the prompt "People are born good and society itself corrupts them" in relation to the novel "Lord of the Flies".
The nature of human beings has been a topic of debate for centuries. Are people born inherently good, or is society what ultimately determines our moral compass? William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" explores this very question, ultimately suggesting that people are born good but can be corrupted by societal influences.
The novel depicts a group of young boys who become stranded on an uninhabited island and must fend for themselves without any adult supervision or rules. At first, the boys attempt to establish some semblance of order and cooperation, electing a leader and setting rules for their society. However, as time passes, the boys become increasingly savage and violent, descending into chaos and anarchy.
One of the main themes of the novel is the idea that societal structures and norms play a critical role in maintaining order and preventing savagery. In the absence of these structures, the boys quickly become uncivilized, engaging in violence and cruelty. This suggests that people are not inherently evil, but rather that society is what keeps us in check and prevents us from giving in to our baser instincts.
However, it is also worth noting that there are some characters in the novel who seem to be more predisposed to violence and aggression than others. For example, the character of Jack is portrayed as a natural leader, but also one who is willing to resort to violence in order to maintain his power. This suggests that there may be some individuals who are more prone to aggression and violence, regardless of societal influences.
Despite this, the overall message of "Lord of the Flies" is that people are born good, but that society can corrupt and ultimately destroy that goodness. The novel suggests that our natural tendencies towards cooperation and order can be overwhelmed by fear, violence, and the desire for power. Ultimately, it is up to society to create the structures and norms that allow us to live together in peace and harmony.
In conclusion, "Lord of the Flies" is a powerful commentary on the nature of human beings and the role that society plays in shaping our behavior. While some individuals may be more prone to violence and aggression than others, the novel ultimately suggests that people are born good, but can be corrupted by societal influences. It is up to us, as a society, to create the conditions that allow us to live together in peace and harmony, and to prevent the descent into savagery that can occur when these conditions are absent.
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