CP/M/CPM_CDROM.iso/mbug/mbug180.arc/ROGER

Text File | 1979-12-31 | 2KB | 45 lines

3
14
We see little of Roger at first but as the novel progresses
and the rule of law breaks down on the island he takes
advantage of this situation and reveals his true nature.

He is described as being dark in appearance with a gloomy
face. The reader comes to realise that this appearance
matches his true character.

At first Roger's inclination towards violence is held in check
by memories of his former way of life. In Chapter Four he
throws stones near Henry but dares not throw them directly at
him.
Later under Jack's influence and protection he loses this
inhibition.
12
When the boys kill the sow itself a dreadful act symbolising
the murder of the mother figure it is Roger who most
explicitly performs 'rape' upon the pig by driving his spear
right up her ass!

Later in a horrifying exaggeration of his earlier throwing of
small pebbles Roger rolls down the huge boulder that kills
Piggy.

There is no doubt that with the character of Roger Golding is
warning us what can happen when too much power is held by some
people.
13
If Jack represents the 'Hitler' of the novel then Roger must
stand for one of his henchmen. In a totalitarian society such
characters will always arise to satisfy their lust for causing
pain and spreading terror.

Roger's final role as the torturer for the tribe is made clear
in the final chapters.
He is eager to take part in the torture of the twins and is
described by them as a terror.
The final mention of Roger in the novel is when he is said to
have sharpened a stick at both ends an obvious reference to
the fate that will befall Ralph when he is captured by the
tribe.