A Narcissist Personality Constructs a Dystopian Realm: The Qualitative Study of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies

Zahirul Islam

Citation: Zahirul Islam, "A Narcissist Personality Constructs a Dystopian Realm: The Qualitative Study of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies", Universal Library of Languages and Literatures, Volume 02, Issue 01.

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

This study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies to explore how a self-centred individual can create and sustain an oppressive regime. It closely examines Jack’s violent behaviour, which represents the characteristics associated with authoritarian leadership. By adopting a qualitative approach, this research utilises the theory of narcissism to elucidate the profound and damaging effects this psychological trait has on the social dynamics of the island. Furthermore, the study delves into the defining features of authoritarian regimes, which are often marked by extreme violence, systemic oppression, and pervasive hypocrisy. It highlights how these oppressive traits emerge and solidify once an individual gains power, leading to the erosion of innocence and establishing a climate of fear and control. Golding illustrates how tyrants manipulate their authority to maintain dominance, painting a vivid picture of Jack as a power-seeking figure whose actions reflect the archetype of a tyrannical government. The analysis emphasises the gradual transformation of societal norms under such regimes, showcasing how years of abuse and manipulation can fundamentally alter the fabric of a community. Through this exploration, the study underscores the critical interplay between individual psychology and the broader political context that fosters authoritarianism.


Keywords: Narcissism, Dystopian, Totalitarianism, Innocence, Savagery, Domination.

Download doi https://doi.org/10.70315/uloap.ullli.2025.0201003