Individuality fragmented and civility collapsed : the price of control in Lord of the Flies and Brave New World

Abstract

The societies of Lord of the Flies and Brave New World reject autonomy in the face of oppressive threats, compelling individuals to sacrifice their independence for conformity, albeit through differing mechanisms. In Lord of the Flies, fear serves as the most potent tool of manipulation; the group operates through the exploitation of fear, which ultimately leads to harsh savagery when it is disregarded. The boys’ dread of the mythical beast gradually consumes them from within, transforming them into the very thing they fear most. This transformation illustrates the destructive power of fear when left unchecked. In contrast, Brave New World presents a meticulously engineered society where individuals are so dissociated from their authentic selves that they unconditionally follow the dictates of the state. Consumerism, stability, and community are promoted and upheld through propaganda, psychological conditioning, and the use of soma. Those who deviate from this established order face severe repercussions, highlighting the lengths to which the state will go to maintain control. This dissertation will focus on how social hierarchy functions as a means to stifle individuality, with the manipulation of fear serving as a supporting mechanism. By examining these dynamics, we can better understand the consequences of conformity in both narratives. Marxist theory will be employed to illuminate the interplay between power dynamics and human identity, emphasising the realities individuals confront when they fail to resist oppression.