Topic > The line between democracy and totalitarianism in Lord...

Golding immediately shows how the voting procedures of a democratic society can help prevent evil from taking over. During the first meeting between Jack and his choirboys and Ralph and his group, the differences between the two groups become clear. Jack, during the first meeting, yells at the boys to “Stand Still!” (Golding 20) and also when “one of the boys has fallen with his face in the sand” he causes the other choir boys to move “the fallen boy onto the platform and let him lie” (Golding 20). With this brief look at Jack's leadership, it is evident that Jack has no interest in the common men of his choir, furthering the illusion of his dictatorial abilities. The theme of leaving the masses of common citizens unattended, while the elites are given exclusive powers, is one of the main concepts of totalitarian government. When these kids see how mistreated Jack's altar boys are, their vote for leader suffers. When Ralph asks, "Who wants Jack as boss?" the choir boys “With sad obedience [raised] their hands” (Golding 23). Then, when Ralph asked, “Who wants me? All hands except Piggy's went up immediately. Then Piggy raised his hand too” (Golding 23). Here, the way the public and Golding perceive the two contradictory types of government is evident. This little glimpse shows that even when a dictator has all the power over his citizens, he cannot beat a democratically elected leader in an election. The undercurrent of this situation shows that citizens prefer a democratic leader elected by them rather than someone who tries to usurp the throne. Although this was only the first time the two sides met, the two sides become more and more distant every time they meet. Additionally, Golding uses frequent encounters to move further… away from the center of the card… until “the stimulus became rhythmic” (Golding 182). Then, “Roger advanced toward them as someone wielding nameless authority” (Golding 182). Samneric, in this situation, are illusions towards the political opposition present in most totalitarian societies. The Samneric are treated as political prisoners and forced to keep their mouths shut about their opinions and accept the new leader's way of ruling with an iron and unyielding fist. Golding, in this situation, tries to show the reader how a totalitarian government does not allow any opposition to the idea of ​​official government. If a person disagrees with the government, then it is best to keep that opinion to themselves or face a harsh reaction from the government. All in all, Jack's new tribe only happened because Jack used fear and brutality as a means to keep his tribe in line..