Symbolism and Imagery in Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies
Symbolism and Imagery
Throughout everyday life people use certain symbols, or images, to relate their feelings and unconscious thoughts to something more tangible and concrete. To a young child, a special blanket might provide them with a sense of security and comfort; furthermore, said blanket may include the ability to calm the child in a state of distress. Someone who had recently lost a loved one, might use objects that contain a degree of sentimental value in order to better hold onto the memories of the lost relationship. The symbol of the maple leaf, to Canadians, represents a sense of belonging and acceptance, a sense of pride and loyalty to a society and culture unique to that of Canada. In his novel Lord of the Flies, Golding provides his audience with endless amounts of symbolism and imagery. Some of the more prominent ones demonstrated in his novel include that of the Conch; representing order and democracy, the Fire; representing hope and rescue, and lastly, but possibly most importantly, that of the Beast; representing Fear and uncertainty. As the novel progresses and evolves, so too, do the symbols of the conch, fire, and beast. Through the use of his symbols, Golding challenges his audience’s pre-societal-conceived views, provides an overall commentary about the devolvement of mankind, and emphasizes his grander ideas about humanity and the mounting savagery that exists on the island.
In the earliest stages of the novel, the symbol of the conch holds an inexplicably awe-inspiring compulsion over the boys. Piggy, being the first to point it out among the creepers, is amazed by its beauty and intricacies. Described as “glistening” and “delicate” the conch demands attention, not only in description but as well as sound. “Gosh!” Ralph had whispered in a sense of wonder following the initial
Symbolism and Imagery
Throughout everyday life people use certain symbols, or images, to relate their feelings and unconscious thoughts to something more tangible and concrete. To a young child, a special blanket might provide them with a sense of security and comfort; furthermore, said blanket may include the ability to calm the child in a state of distress. Someone who had recently lost a loved one, might use objects that contain a degree of sentimental value in order to better hold onto the memories of the lost relationship. The symbol of the maple leaf, to Canadians, represents a sense of belonging and acceptance, a sense of pride and loyalty to a society and culture unique to that of Canada. In his novel Lord of the Flies, Golding provides his audience with endless amounts of symbolism and imagery. Some of the more prominent ones demonstrated in his novel include that of the Conch; representing order and democracy, the Fire; representing hope and rescue, and lastly, but possibly most importantly, that of the Beast; representing Fear and uncertainty. As the novel progresses and evolves, so too, do the symbols of the conch, fire, and beast. Through the use of his symbols, Golding challenges his audience’s pre-societal-conceived views, provides an overall commentary about the devolvement of mankind, and emphasizes his grander ideas about humanity and the mounting savagery that exists on the island.
In the earliest stages of the novel, the symbol of the conch holds an inexplicably awe-inspiring compulsion over the boys. Piggy, being the first to point it out among the creepers, is amazed by its beauty and intricacies. Described as “glistening” and “delicate” the conch demands attention, not only in description but as well as sound. “Gosh!” Ralph had whispered in a sense of wonder following the initial
Cited: Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. London: Faber and Faber Limited, 1954.Print Boyd, S.J. “The Nature of the Beast” The Novels of William Golding. Sussex, UK. University of St Andrew Press. 1988. Delbaere-Grant, Jeanne. “Rhythm and Expansion in Lord of the Flies” William Golding: Some Critical Considerations. Ed. Jack Biles & Robert Evask. University of Kentucky Press. Lexington, 1975. Print. Kinkead-Weekes, Mark. Gregor, Ian. William Golding: A Critical Study of the Novels. Faber and Faber Press, 1984. Print.