Symbolism in "The Lord of the Flies"
Uploaded by spootyhead on Apr 18, 2007
Symbolism in "The Lord of the Flies"
Imagine a bunch of young children's lives changed by being trapped on a island with no civilization around. William Golding shows how terrifying it can be in Lord Of The Flies, the novel that brings symbolism above all to the emotions of all that read it. The symbols that bring out the meaning the best are the leadership skills, the fire and the conch.
First, are the leadership skills, as are shown in the book, Ralph has. Ralph in the novel has many ideas, leadership skills, and has the force he needs to create a better place and try to get them all home. There are three major quotes that prove that Ralph has what it takes. This first one shows he has good ideas and can enforce what he thinks should happen. "Shut up," said Ralph absently. He lifted the conch. "Seem to me we ought to have a chief to decide things(#22)." He also shows he can be a good chief and make them listen with a wave of a hand. "Ralph smiled and held up the conch for silence(#23)." Lastly, when Ralph blows the conch, as though a force is pulling them nearer, the children go to him. "By the time Ralph had finished blowing the conch the platform was crowded(#32)."
Next, one of the bigger symbols is the fire. Enforcing the rules is one thing, but the children would rather play than keep the fire going. Ralph gives the idea for the fire, but can they keep it going? " There's another thing. We can help them to find us. If a ship comes near the island they might not notice us. We must make a fire(#38)." Jack has a great idea to use Piggy's glasses to light the fire." Jack pointed suddenly. "His specs-use them as burning glasses (#40)!" Jack has a obsession of hunting and it turns to the choir as well. They have the responsibility to keep the fire going, but they get side tracked, go hunting and the fire goes out. "There was a ship. Out there. You said you'd keep the fire going and you let it out!" He took a step towards Jack who turned and faced him. "They might have seen us. We might have gone home(#70)." As you can see a bunch of children are not ready for that...