Symbolism: Lord Of The Flies
Layla Odeh
Miss Lustmann
English 9H
11/19/16
“Lord of the Flies” Symbolism
When an author uses symbolism, the context of their words are given a more deeper meaning. Symbolism is portrayed when an ordinary object, event, person, or animal is given an extraordinary significance towards any piece of writing. In the novel “Lord of the Flies”, author William Golding tells a story of how a group of British boys are stranded on an island where they must now learn how to live with no adults. Throughout the novel, symbolism plays a major role on how the plot of the novel will develop. Characters such as Simon, and items such as Piggy’s specs and the fire represent different values and meanings in human society. With the use of these symbols, …show more content…
Piggy is the most intelligent of all characters, however his specs symbolize something greater. The pair of glasses are used as a symbol of the power of science and intellectual strength. The significance of Piggy’s specs is first realized when the boys use it as a method to start a fire by refracting it with the sun. Golding describes this instance stating, “His voice rose to a shriek of terror as Jack snatched the glasses off his face” (55). Piggy was obviously not a fan of the idea of using his specs as a way of fire. However, over the course of the novel, Piggy’s specs start to evolve into a key necessity of survival. Therefore, when Jack decides to split into his own tribe, Jack ends up raiding Ralph's camp for Piggy’s specs. Jack and his tribe members come up to the huts where Ralph and Piggy sought shelter and began to say, “Piggy, come outside. I want you Piggy...Piggy- where are you Piggy” (Golding 240). The quote confirms that Jack and his tribe were specifically after Piggy’s specs. At the end of the raid, Jack’s tribe ends up snatching Piggy’s specs from his possession. Since Ralph’s tribe no longer holds possession of the specs, they are now left powerless with their hopes of being rescued slowly …show more content…
Symbolism involving Simon, Piggy’s specs, and the signal fire is captured in many ways throughout the novel. Simon symbolizes natural goodness on an island gradually declining into savagery. Whereas Piggy’s specs represent the strength in the power of science and intellect. Lastly, the signal fire representing the only form of connection the boys have to outside civilization. All of these symbols combined help shape a more in depth context of the novel. In addition, one can also say that savagery is also a shared aspect since it occurred in relation with these symbols. Before Piggy dies he emphasizes, “Which is better-- to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill” (Golding 259). Piggy’s words can suffice that no matter what symbol it could be, there is a good and bad side to each of the symbols
Miss Lustmann
English 9H
11/19/16
“Lord of the Flies” Symbolism
When an author uses symbolism, the context of their words are given a more deeper meaning. Symbolism is portrayed when an ordinary object, event, person, or animal is given an extraordinary significance towards any piece of writing. In the novel “Lord of the Flies”, author William Golding tells a story of how a group of British boys are stranded on an island where they must now learn how to live with no adults. Throughout the novel, symbolism plays a major role on how the plot of the novel will develop. Characters such as Simon, and items such as Piggy’s specs and the fire represent different values and meanings in human society. With the use of these symbols, …show more content…
Piggy is the most intelligent of all characters, however his specs symbolize something greater. The pair of glasses are used as a symbol of the power of science and intellectual strength. The significance of Piggy’s specs is first realized when the boys use it as a method to start a fire by refracting it with the sun. Golding describes this instance stating, “His voice rose to a shriek of terror as Jack snatched the glasses off his face” (55). Piggy was obviously not a fan of the idea of using his specs as a way of fire. However, over the course of the novel, Piggy’s specs start to evolve into a key necessity of survival. Therefore, when Jack decides to split into his own tribe, Jack ends up raiding Ralph's camp for Piggy’s specs. Jack and his tribe members come up to the huts where Ralph and Piggy sought shelter and began to say, “Piggy, come outside. I want you Piggy...Piggy- where are you Piggy” (Golding 240). The quote confirms that Jack and his tribe were specifically after Piggy’s specs. At the end of the raid, Jack’s tribe ends up snatching Piggy’s specs from his possession. Since Ralph’s tribe no longer holds possession of the specs, they are now left powerless with their hopes of being rescued slowly …show more content…
Symbolism involving Simon, Piggy’s specs, and the signal fire is captured in many ways throughout the novel. Simon symbolizes natural goodness on an island gradually declining into savagery. Whereas Piggy’s specs represent the strength in the power of science and intellect. Lastly, the signal fire representing the only form of connection the boys have to outside civilization. All of these symbols combined help shape a more in depth context of the novel. In addition, one can also say that savagery is also a shared aspect since it occurred in relation with these symbols. Before Piggy dies he emphasizes, “Which is better-- to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill” (Golding 259). Piggy’s words can suffice that no matter what symbol it could be, there is a good and bad side to each of the symbols