Essay On Lord Of The Flies Symbolism

Lord of the Flies (Symbolism) Symbolism is present in the books we read. Symbolism develops the plot of a story and creates depth and detail to the characters. Books include symbolism that is significant to the story and pushes the story further. For example in the book, “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, the main characters all symbolize a trait. Piggy, one of the main characters, represents intelligence and obedience. Jack, another main character, suggests the character of savagery. Ralph, our third main character of the book, signifies civilization in our society. Main symbols that are significant to the story are the Conch (material that grants the right to speak to whoever holds it), the mask(s) Jack’s tribe wears, and the fire or signal fire that has put the boys in danger before. William Golding uses symbolism in this story because it gives deeper meaning to the situation, well details the characters and their inconveniences, and signifies certain events in the book. The conch …show more content…
“They don't smell me. They see me, I think…” (57) The following quote is told by Jack. He expresses that the wild pigs don’t smell him but rather see him visually. The mask signifies a shield of innocence through a person. Jack wants to assassinate a wild pig on the island. While developing his savage ways, the mask is supposed to be a barrier between savagery and innocence. Putting on the mask makes Jack more comfortable with killing the pig because it seems like it's not him that is killing the creature, it’s the mask itself. “The mask compelled them’ (58). “Jack planned his face, He made one cheek and one eye-socket white, then he rubbed red over the other half of his face…” (58). The new persona or face is the one doing the deed… not the boys. The characters put on this face (bravery) to exterminate the pig when behind the mask is innocence and possibly