Civilization is merely a thin covering over barbarism. Beneath the superficial cover of 20th century man, lurks the savage. This is clearly shown in, The Lord of the Flies.

When the boys crashed on the island, they automatically start a civilized home, with law and order: We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are the best at everything. So, we've got to do the right things. (P.45) After being on the island for a long period of time, the laws are imposed less and less. The boys see that they can get away with small things, so they push the line and start breaking the laws. Since no one is enforcing the rules, the boys become overpowered with power, and they become bloodthirsty. "Now, though there was no parent to let fall a heavy hand, Maurice still...