Symbolism in Lord of the flies
In the novel Lord of the Flies, by William Goulding, many symbols are used to develop the overall theme of society versus savagery. In the following essay I will analyse 3 symbols to demonstrate how Goulding used symbolism to show the boys’ devolution into utter chaos.
Firstly there are Piggy’s glasses. These glasses are the more subtle symbol of power on the island, as with the glasses fire was able to be created. The fire kept the boys warm, safe, cooked their food and was the only way they would be rescued. Whoever had the glasses, had the fire. Piggy did all of this for them indirectly. They also were representative of Piggy seeing more clearly than the other boys. He was able to see that the island wasn’t a playground at all but actually a very dangerous place. He was able to see that, and because of it was seen as the voice of peace for a short time. Before everyone lost control, that is.
Secondly there is the conch shell. The conch was the more obvious symbol of power on the island, as it gave the boys a sense of democracy in a lawless place without supervision. With the assemblies called by the conch, everyone was given a chance to share their views and thoughts on matters. People respected the conch, because it gave them respect from others. Eventually the conch lost all holding of power over the boys, except for Piggy, who later died believing it would protect him. This also relates to Piggy’s glasses as a symbol of clarity. At the point he died, he did not have his glasses so he could not see that the conch would not protect him in the face of the tribe.
Lastly there is the signal fire. The fire represented two things in Lord of the Flies; life and death. When the fire burned on the mountain it gave off the smoke that would be necessary for all of the boys to be rescued, but in turn it also killed the birthmark boy and was used to try smoke out Ralph. The last use of it, however, was ironic as the hunt for Ralph also lead to
Firstly there are Piggy’s glasses. These glasses are the more subtle symbol of power on the island, as with the glasses fire was able to be created. The fire kept the boys warm, safe, cooked their food and was the only way they would be rescued. Whoever had the glasses, had the fire. Piggy did all of this for them indirectly. They also were representative of Piggy seeing more clearly than the other boys. He was able to see that the island wasn’t a playground at all but actually a very dangerous place. He was able to see that, and because of it was seen as the voice of peace for a short time. Before everyone lost control, that is.
Secondly there is the conch shell. The conch was the more obvious symbol of power on the island, as it gave the boys a sense of democracy in a lawless place without supervision. With the assemblies called by the conch, everyone was given a chance to share their views and thoughts on matters. People respected the conch, because it gave them respect from others. Eventually the conch lost all holding of power over the boys, except for Piggy, who later died believing it would protect him. This also relates to Piggy’s glasses as a symbol of clarity. At the point he died, he did not have his glasses so he could not see that the conch would not protect him in the face of the tribe.
Lastly there is the signal fire. The fire represented two things in Lord of the Flies; life and death. When the fire burned on the mountain it gave off the smoke that would be necessary for all of the boys to be rescued, but in turn it also killed the birthmark boy and was used to try smoke out Ralph. The last use of it, however, was ironic as the hunt for Ralph also lead to