Final answer:
William Golding uses the interactions between the boys in Chapter 4 of 'Lord of the Flies' to depict the tension between civilized and savage behavior. Characters like Piggy and Jack exemplify these opposing forces, with pivotal moments such as the fire dance and the fear of the 'beast' symbolizing their internal and collective struggles.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Chapter 4 of Lord of the Flies (LOFT), author William Golding uses the boys' interactions to explore the themes of civilization and savagery. Golding uses these interactions to reveal internal conflicts within the boys as they struggle between conforming to societal norms and succumbing to their more primal instincts. For example, Golding uses the character of Piggy to represent the force of civilization, with his adherence to rules and rational thinking, while Jack represents the pull towards savagery with his aggressive behavior and desire for power. The juxtaposition of their behaviors is most evident during the dance around the fire, which initially serves as a civilizing ritual but quickly devolves into chaos, symbolizing the boys' descent into savagery.
This descent is further exemplified by Golding's use of the boys' fear of the 'beast,' which becomes a powerful symbol of the savagery within them. As their fear grows, so does their capacity for violence, highlighted by the cruel treatment of outcasts like Piggy and the eventual murder of Simon. The deterioration of order on the island and the breakdown of their miniature society illustrate Golding's central thesis about the fragile nature of civilization and the ease with which it can be overthrown by our baser instincts.