Mr Doghouse Case
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An individuals journey is shaped by societal conventions and the interactions with the surrounding environment. When challenging societal conventions, the harmonic relationship between individuals can be eradicated resulting in a series of detrimental events. Conventions protect against unorthodox behaviour and maintain the equilibrium of society. This is apparent in William Shakespeares Othello and William Goldings Lord of the Flies. Shakespeare and Golding explore the inability of each character to conform to societal conventions which inevitably results in self destruction. The inner journeys of these characters has enabled the responder to explore the consequences of isolation, discrimination and the desire for power.
Othellos isolation from Venetian society is paramount to his inevitable destruction. Othello is immediately portrayed as an outsider due to the colour of his skin. Whether I in any just term am affined to love the Moor – Iago and Roderigo discuss their racist feelings abouut following a black general. Furthermore, a Moor married to a white woman rebels against societal conventions. Isolation enables Iago to manipulate Othello, leading him to his own self-destruction. – how? In addition, Shakespeare uses isolation to cultivate the tragedy by setting the scene on Cyprus; an island, symbolising isolation in its purest form. Similarly, Goldings description of the “wide open sea” in Lord of the Flies is also symbolic of isolation. Perhaps explore e isolation theme more – it is being separated from society in a geographical or social sense that enables e main characters to separate themselves from society
Lord Of The Flies (LOTF) is expressive of Goldings assumption that society is a fragile veil that, when removed, results in the destruction of the individual. This is emphasised through Jacks progression in the killing of the pig. During their first encounter, Jack draws his knife quickly in an attempt to kill the pig. Instead, he hesitates. Golding states that “The pause was only long enough for them to realise the enormity of what the downward stroke would be”. This suggests that the societal conventions regarding murder are still inherent to Jack. This is juxtaposed when Jack indeed kills the pig. Golding perceives man as a savage creature whose degenerate behaviour is engendered due to the isolation from societal values.
The desire for power breaks the boundaries established by societal conventions and governs the actions of both Iago and Jack. Iago is a machiavellian character who delights in his villainy. Iago informs the audience that his motive for revenge is because he was overlooked as Othellos lieutenant. Similarly, Jacks desire for power is emphasised through the quote “I ought to be chief because Im chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp.” Iagos desire for power results in the destruction of everyone around him. In Lord of the Flies, the desire for power is the force that disintegrates the boys group. Both characters manipulate the isolation from societal conventions and from society to further their own agenda. In LOTF, Jack and the hunters manipulate the boys fear of the beast to their own advantage, a manipulation that leaves the group fearful and willing to cede power to Jack. Simultaneously, Jack enables the boys themselves to act as the beast – to symbolise the savagery that society has previously suppressed.
The copious amounts of racial bigotry contribute to the individual destruction of Othello. Iago refers to Othello as a “Barbary horse,” an “old black ram” and informs Barbantio that his daughter and Othello are “making