I put for the general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death.
Thomas Hobbes
What does it mean?
How does it relate to Chapter 11?
What concrete example of this idea can you find in the novel?
"I put for the general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death."
RépondreEffacerThis quote means that humans will always pursue a desire for power, and a person's hunger for power ends only when they die. It is simply how we are made, how we are inclined to act in different situations. Putting the quote into a more global context, it could also apply to the entirety of mankind. It could mean that all of mankind would have to die to cleanse the world of this never-ending struggle for power. So, it is this side of the quote that relates to Chapter 11 of the Lord of the Flies. As an example, Jack holds the most power on the island by being Chief of the savages, and controlling access to meat and fire. He has finally alleviated his hunger for power by being the chief of the dominant tribe. But, when Ralph and Piggy come to challenge his authority, in their own search for power because, in this case, power is survival, Jack ends up trying to kill them.
"'You could have had fire whenever you wanted. But you didn't. You came sneaking up like a thief and stole Piggy's glasses!'
'Say that again!'
'Thief! Thief!'
Piggy screamed.
'Ralph! Ming me!'
Jack made a rush and stabbed at Ralph's chest with his spear." (p.196)
Also, even after death, (Piggy's death) Jack's hunt for power continues with him forcefully converting Samneric to his tribe through torture and a general hunt against Ralph, showing the obvious class difference between Jack and the savages, the hunters, and Ralph, the prey. So, to fully rid the island of a power-hunt, there would have to be no more boys on it because once again power is survival, is everything.
I completely agree with you on that, even after Jack gets all the power, he is still bloodthirsty and wants to get more power, and starts hunting Ralph. I also agree on the fact that power is survival, and that survival is everything.
RépondreEffacerYea even though Ralph might have more common sense as a leader, Jack has all the power but he wants more. he does not want to have Ralph on the island.
EffacerVery well said, this shows that nothing with sooth a man's thirst for power except death. Once someone, like Jack has had a taste of power, then, nothing else will satisfy them other than complete control.
EffacerThis quote refers to man always seeking power throughout their whole life time. Power often brings success and success means accomplishment. It is of human nature to want power. Ever since we were young, we've always wanted to be first in line. We grew up this way, always wanting power. It's just the way we are. No one wants to be controlled by someone else, we want to be the one controlling. We can relate this quote to the book in the aspect that the kids will go to great extent to gain power; they will go as far as to kill people for it. Jack is the perfect example of this. Power is the most important thing to him and he refuses to let anything get in the way of that. In this case, power leads to survival which is accomplishment and success. Jack gains his power in a poor way because he steals from Ralph and Piggy and he also manipulates them. In this novel, Jack abuses power. The conch is broken and Piggy falls off the mountainside and dies. Not only does Jack want power, but he also wants to take away power from other people on the island. He does this to Ralph when he took away basically everything Ralph had left on the island (Piggy and the conch). Jack's strong desire for power will not cease until his death.
RépondreEffacer"See? See? Thats what you'll get! I meant that! There isn't a tribe left for you any more! The conch is gone —"
He ran forward, stooping.
"I'm Chief!"
p. 201
This is what Jack says right after Piggy died. Jack isn't afraid to do it again because he knows it will only get him more power. In addition, it'll be even harder to take that power away from him.
I totally agree with you Olivia, not only does Jack want power, once he has it he abuses it and steals it from others. This has great repercussions and goes against the fundamentals of modern civilization, this is well demonstrated in the novel when Piggy's glasses are broken followed by the conch and then with the death of Piggy. Ultimate domination reduces humans to savagery.
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