William Golding’s thesis about the inherent capacity for evil in mankind is grounded in his novel Lord of the Flies In this work, Golding examines the idea that humans are naturally prone to evil, even if they are born with a moral compass. He argues that the only thing preventing humans from acting on their desires to do evil is being a part of a organized, structured society. He believes that people are inherently selfish and when they are alone, they will act out of greed and selfishness.
This thesis has lead to a plethora of interesting essay topics. Here are five examples that demonstrate the complexity and thought-provoking nature of the thesis.
The first example examines the idea of human nature versus nurture. Could Golding’s thesis be applied to the ways in which society influences behavior? In examining this, students may examine psychological theories of behavior and investigate the role that environment and social influences play in developing a person’s moral code.
The second example looks at the role of culture in influencing human behavior. What does culture say about how we should act? Does it support Golding’s thesis or oppose it? Students may look at examples from different societies and explore how culture shapes one’s moral code.
The third example examines the ways in which technology affects human behavior. As our world becomes increasingly digital and connected, how does technology shape our morality? Do our digital interactions influence our behavior in real life?
The fourth example looks at how religion and faith influence our actions. Does religion create a moral code that prevents us from indulging in evil? Or does religion actually make us more likely to succumb to our darker instincts?
Finally, the fifth example looks at the issue of morality in education. Are children taught to behave a certain way in school that they might not learn or practice otherwise? What is the role of teachers and schools in developing a person’s moral code?
All of these examples demonstrate the richness and complexity of Golding’s thesis. They provide an opportunity for students to analyze and discuss the morality of human behavior and the role that society and culture play in shaping our actions.