Kind of. I think Golding was studying the capacity of
humans to function together or do good without the covering of
civilization.
We see in the beginning, when Ralph is
elected chief and Piggy (one of the symbols of civilization) is there to advise him that
there is relative peace on the island. While things are not perfect, on the whole the
boys get along and at times are even rather caring to each
other.
However, when civilization starts falling away (Jack
leaves, his tribe steals Piggy's glasses, they kill Piggy and Simon) humanity also falls
away and the boys revert to the pre-civilized era of the
'savage'.
Now, when civilization (which is what separates
us from the animals) is gone...the behaviors associated with civilization also
disappear. Kindness, sharing, looking out for the needy in society, and similar
characteristics of a "civilized" society leave and yes...the author definatly expresses
doubt that humans capacity for good can exist under these
conditions.
In short, I believe that Golding is saying that
government and societal order are essential for humans to be all they can be, but
without the protection of civilization humans do not know how to elevate the human
condition.
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