Answer:
Explanation:
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.
The first symbol that becomes evident is the conch shell. When the shell is first discovered lying on the sandy beach it is blown to signal all the boys, scattered across the island, to meet at one spot. Later the conch shell is used to announce meetings, and then a rule is established stating that only the one holding the shell would be allowed to speak. These developments show that the capacity for order and democracy exists within the children, and also establish the conch shell as a symbol of civilized attitudes and hehaviour.
However, as the boys slowly turn to their savage instincts, the power of the conch shell is eroded. Ralph is holding the shell while he laughs maniacally about Simon’s death. When Ralph blows the shell to remind the boys of civilization, they throw rocks at him and, finally, civilization comes to an abrupt end when the shell is destroyed.
Piggy’s glasses also carry symbolic significance. They symbolize the exercise of intellect and science, since it is with them that the boys are able to start a fire. Piggy’s glasses can also be seen as the window that views and recognizes good from evil. This interpretation comes from the fact that Piggy uses his glasses not oly 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.
The signal fire can be viewed as a sign of hope - the hope the boys have to return to society. When the flames dance brightly, it shows the enthusiasm they hold for the idea of being rescued. However, as the fire grows dim, it reflects the attitude of the boys and their loss of morale. The signal fire can also be viewed as the boys' link to the civilized world. As long as the fire continues burning, it suggests not only that the boys want to return to society, but also that they are still using their intellectual capacity.
However, in the end, it is a wild fire that results in the rescue of the remaining children. This outcome leads to another understanding of the signal fire; the first fire was a warning of death and disaster whereas the second fire was a sign of rescue.
The Beast devised by the boys is imaginary, symbolizing the savage instinct within the hearts of all people. The introduction of the Beast signals the beginning of savagery, and as the boys grow more savage their belief in the beast increases correspondingly. When the boys reach the climax of their savagery they begin worshipping the Beast and attributing inhuman qualities, such as shape-shifting, to it, and their savagery increases to the point where they kill an innocent boy.
The idea of the Beast can also be understood as propaganda used by Jack to attain a totalitarian government. By scaring the boys by telling them that the Beast exists, and by accusing Ralph of doing a poor job of protecting the children, Jack achieves leadership of a new ‘tribe’ in which he will rule like a tyrant.
The Beast, or The Lord of the Flies, (from which the novel's title is taken), represents the devil. Beelzebub, meaning ‘Lord of the Flies’ is in fact one of the many Biblical names of Satan. In the novel, the stick and the skull (the physical manifestation of the Lord the Flies), is circumambulated by flies, signifying the worship of evil.
The Lord of the Flies states that he lives within all human beings. This statement symbolizes that Satan is within all humanity, including English boys, and that it is he that causes sinful and savage behaviour. The devil is the source of all evil.
The boys paint their faces with mud and other such materials. This shows the level of savagery they have reached, and their return to primal human instincts. It is people who lived before civilization, or those now living in an uncivilized society that apply face paint in order either to camouflage themselves to merge with their surroundings while hunting, or to celebrate in a wild manner.
The island where the boys are stranded is a representation of the world and the children display the different roles of society. 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; his cleverness and brains are qualities that prove his intellect. Simon represents the purity and natural goodness existing in humanity.
