In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, Roger interacts with Henry in a chilling manner that reveals much about his character and the themes of the story. Roger throws stones at Henry, but he intentionally misses him. This action speaks volumes about the inherent violence that resides within him, as well as the influence of societal norms.
Roger does not hit Henry because, even in their wild state, some remnants of civilization still linger. There is a subconscious restraint that holds Roger back. This restraint is a reflection of the rules and morals that they have internalized from their previous lives. It suggests that even in the absence of adult authority, the remnants of social civility can have a strong impact on behavior.
Golding uses this moment to delve into the metaphor of darkness, representing the primal instincts and savagery that lie beneath the surface of human nature. The darkness symbolizes the moral decay and the loss of innocence that occurs as the boys descend into chaos. Roger’s gradual embrace of his darker impulses illustrates the theme that when freed from societal constraints, individuals can succumb to their baser instincts.
Through this interaction, Golding highlights the struggle between civilization and savagery, showing how the darkness within humanity can emerge when societal structures break down.