The Dangerous Consequences of Diffusion of Personal Responsibility in Lord of the Flies

Imagine being stranded on a deserted island with a group of people and no adults to keep the group in check. What would happen? William Golding explores this concept in his novel, Lord of the Flies, where the characters’ journey through the breakdown of order and humanity under the guise of freedom. The novel explores the consequences of a diffusion of personal responsibility among individuals and the dangerous impact it could have on society.

Introduction

The diffusion of personal responsibility, also known as the bystander effect, is a well-known psychological phenomenon, which states that individuals are less likely to intervene in an emergency if others are around. The diffusion of personal responsibility is particularly concerning when it comes to situations of emergency where the inaction of bystanders can have serious implications. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies illustrates the dangers of the diffusion of personal responsibility through the journey of a group of boys.

The Effect of the Diffusion of Personal Responsibility on Society

In the novel, the boys feel free from societal restrictions and try to establish their own rules. However, the absence of the constraints of the adult world sees a gradual breakdown in the social order of the group as the young boys succumb to individualism. In the absence of a clear leader, the boys become increasingly violent and selfish, lashing out at each other as they struggle for dominance. The diffusion of personal responsibility in this scenario creates a toxic environment where the boys refuse to accept the responsibility for their actions and instead push the blame onto others.

Examples of the Diffusion of Personal Responsibility on the Island

A prime example of the diffusion of personal responsibility in Lord of the Flies is the character of Piggy. Piggy is the moral compass of the group, cautioning against the boys’ dangerous actions and reminding them of their responsibility to each other. However, his pleas fall on deaf ears as the boys refuse to acknowledge their personal responsibility, and they instead mock him and exclude him from the group.

Another significant example of the diffusion of personal responsibility in the novel is Simon, who often retreats into the woods to meditate and engage with his inner self. However, this introspection only highlights the boys’ increasingly barbaric behaviour, and Simon becomes a victim of the group’s mob mentality.

The Consequences of Diffusing Personal Responsibility

The consequences of the diffusion of personal responsibility in Lord of the Flies are disastrous, with the boys’ anarchistic tendencies resulting in murder. The critical role of personal responsibility is underlined graphically when Simon is murdered as a result of the boys’ mob mentality, and the reality of their actions comes to the surface. The diffusion of personal responsibility infects every aspect of life on the island, causing the boys to act irrationally and dangerously.

Conclusion

Lord of the Flies illustrates the importance of personal responsibility and the dangers of the diffusion of personal responsibility. In a rapidly changing world, the novel remains a timely warning about the dangers of unchecked individualism and the critical role that personal responsibility plays in keeping society together. The book reminds us all that it’s essential to take responsibility for our actions and that inaction can be just as dangerous as overt action when it comes to societal wellbeing.