Jack's Face Paint In Lord Of The Flies
Lord of the Flies is a novel written by William Golding that portrays the story of a group of young boys who get stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. The novel is a classic example of how the absence of civilization can lead to the emergence of savagery in human behavior. Jack Merridew is one of the main characters in the novel, and his face paint plays a significant role in his transformation from a civilized boy to a savage leader.
The Significance of Jack's Face Paint
Jack's face paint is symbolic of his transformation from a civilized boy to a savage leader. In the beginning, Jack is a choirboy who is used to following orders and adhering to rules. However, as time goes by, he becomes obsessed with hunting and begins to change. The face paint is a physical representation of this change. It helps him shed his inhibitions and become more savage, allowing him to hunt and kill without remorse.
Moreover, the face paint also serves as a mask that allows Jack to hide his true identity. When he puts on the face paint, he becomes a different person altogether. He is no longer the choirboy who follows orders but a savage leader who commands his tribe with an iron fist. The face paint gives him a sense of power and control, which he uses to manipulate the other boys.
The Evolution of Jack's Face Paint
As the novel progresses, Jack's face paint evolves along with his character. In the beginning, his face paint is minimalistic and serves as a way to blend in with the environment. However, as he becomes more savage, his face paint becomes more elaborate and menacing. By the end of the novel, his face paint is a full-blown mask that covers his entire face, making him unrecognizable as a human being.
The evolution of Jack's face paint is symbolic of his descent into madness. As he becomes more savage, his face paint becomes more intricate, reflecting his inner turmoil. The face paint is no longer a way to blend in with the environment but a way to intimidate and instill fear in the other boys.
The Psychological Implications of Jack's Face Paint
Jack's face paint has several psychological implications. Firstly, it serves as a way for him to distance himself from his actions. By putting on the face paint, he becomes a different person, allowing him to detach himself from the violence and brutality he inflicts on the other boys. This detachment is crucial in allowing him to continue his savage behavior without feeling guilty or remorseful.
Secondly, the face paint also serves as a way for Jack to assert his dominance over the other boys. By wearing the face paint, he becomes a symbol of power and authority, and the other boys are forced to follow his lead. The face paint gives him the confidence and courage to lead his tribe and make decisions that are in his best interest.
Conclusion
Jack's face paint is a crucial element in Lord of the Flies, representing his transformation from a civilized boy to a savage leader. The face paint serves as a mask, allowing him to hide his true identity and become a different person altogether. As the novel progresses, Jack's face paint evolves along with his character, reflecting his descent into madness. The face paint has several psychological implications, allowing Jack to detach himself from his actions and assert his dominance over the other boys. Overall, Jack's face paint is a powerful symbol of the savagery and brutality that can emerge in human behavior in the absence of civilization.