Lord of the Flies Symbolism
Generally, symbolism is an object representing another to
give it an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant. Lord of the Flies is an ingenious work of literature in which the
author, William Golding, explores the issues of civilization and savagery.
Throughout the novel, the author hides powerful messages in some very unlikely
places, and Golding's use of this literary technique - symbolism - is the
subject of this essay.
One of the most important symbols in Lord of the Flies
is the “conch” shell. The conch
symbolizes democracy, law and order, authority, civilized behavior. It brings
peace to the group of boys. It is the only item in the island that makes them
united and keeps them civilized. Finally the conch shattered to thousand
fragments when Roger releases the rock from above, killing piggy. The
destruction of the conch symbolizes the end of civilized behavior and the
beginning of autocracy, despotism and barbarism.
Piggy’s glasses also carry symbolic significance. They symbolize knowledge,
logic, intellect and science. Without them the boys would have never able to
have fire. They are also lens or window through which goodness and evilness
can be scanned. Piggy uses his glasses not only to see, but also to discern
what is right, wrong, safe or harmful. When Piggy loses his spectacles, he also
loses his clear vision and power of discernment.
Fire also symbolizes survival and destruction, life and death. Fire
is first used to try to attract a passing ship which would take the boys back
to civilization. The flame also symbolizes hope. The boys keep the signal
burning and their hopes alive. However, as the fire grows dim, it reflects the
attitude of the boys and their loss of morale. At the end it becomes the symbol
of rescue as the boys are rescued from the island.
The
Beast devised by the boys is
imaginary, symbolizing the savage instinct within the hearts of all people. When
the boys reach the climax of their savagery they begin worshipping the Beast
and attributing inhuman qualities. The
idea of the Beast can also be understood as propaganda used by Jack to attain a
totalitarian government. The Beast, or The Lord of the Flies, (from which the
novel's title is taken), represents the devil, Beelzebub. The devil is the
source of all evil.
The
island itself serves a dual purpose;
it is the symbol of hell as well as paradise. The island itself is a microcosm
of planet Earth, alone in a vast surrounding universe with the capacity to
sustain humanity, but also prone to destructive storms. Early in the story Ralph
and his companions finds a certain glamour and enchantment on the island which
is symbolic of Garden of Eden. In the last chapter, the whole island is turned
into a blazing inferno which symbolizes hell.
The painted faces
of Jack and his “tribe” symbolize man’s return to primitivism and
barbarism.
All
the characters possess their symbolic value. Ralph symbolizes civilization and order. He shows the sophisticated
side of man and holds the position of a democratic leader. Piggy represents the voice of reason in civilization. Clearly Simon is the Christ- figure, the voice of revelation. Jack and Roger symbolize evil. Jack shows the power-hungry and savage end
of society while Roger represents brutality and bloodlust. The littluns represent the common people.
The
introduction of the dead parachutist
symbolizes the fall of adult supervision. It also symbolizes the start of
destruction. The appearance of the naval officer symbolizes the return of
both adult supervision and civilization.
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