Question

read the passage from lord of the flies by william golding.
\i’m scared of him,\ said piggy, \and that’s why i know him. if you’re scared of someone you hate him but you can’t stop thinking about him. you kid yourself he’s all right really, an’ then when you see him again, it’s like asthma an’ you can’t breathe. i tell you what. he hates you too, ralph—\
\me? why me?\
\i dunno. you got him over the fire; an’ you’re chief an’ he isn’t.\
\but he’s, he’s, jack merridew!\
\i been in bed so much i done some thinking. i know about people. i know about me. and him. he can’t hurt you: but if you stand out of the way he’d hurt the next thing. and that’s me.\
what is the universal theme of this passage?
○ society’s dependence on authority
○ the wisdom gained from experience
○ the consuming power of guilt
○ humanity’s search for meaning in the world

Explanation:

To determine the universal theme, analyze each option:

• "society’s dependence on authority": The passage focuses on Piggy's understanding of Jack's feelings toward Ralph (due to Ralph being chief) and his own vulnerability. It highlights how authority (Ralph as chief) and the dynamics between characters (Jack's resentment) show society's need for authority and how lack of it or conflict over it affects relationships. Piggy's fear and analysis of Jack's behavior relate to how society relies on authority (Ralph) and the tension when someone challenges that authority (Jack).
• "the wisdom gained from experience": The passage doesn't emphasize wisdom from experience but rather fear and interpersonal dynamics.
• "the consuming power of guilt": There's no mention of guilt in the passage.
• "humanity’s search for meaning in the world": The passage is about interpersonal conflict and authority, not searching for meaning.

So the correct theme is society’s dependence on authority.

Answer:

A. society’s dependence on authority