The mask seems to mark the difference for Jack between
civilized society and a savage lifestyle. Once shed of civility, Jack is free to declare
himself a leader, determine to be carefree, and decide that the beast is real whether he
is real or not.
Dressed as a choir boy, Jack remained
content with Ralph's rule which demanded order and responsibility. Behind a mask and
colors of savage paint, Jack grew able to kill the pigs, and to eventually kill man.
Jack maintained the allegiance of most of the boys by crafting an image of the carefree
lifestyle that was attractive, but not responsible.
This
mask and division is important because in society today, it is easy for us to likewise
appear different in order to shed some of our values. In front of people we respect we
often maintain our values. This piece is a cautionary tale to help us beward of the
times in life when we place the mask on our face just like Jack.
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