In literature, symbols are used as a way of communicating the author's point, as well as a much deeper idea, to the reader. In his classic novel “Lord of the Flies”, William Golding uses a myriad of symbols to add depth and complexity to his story. Set in the early 1900’s during World War 1, the story follows a group of British boys as they try to survive and maintain civil order after their plane crashes on a deserted island. With no adults to keep them in line, these boys are left to govern themselves. This society does not last long, however. As the novel progresses, the symbols used to represent the system the boys have constructed develop along with the maturing plot.
The conch shell is first used in the beginning by Ralph to gather the boys together and decide what to do next. When he blew the conch, boys slowly trickled out of the woods at the …show more content…
They needed people to hunt for food, they needed to find shelters, but most importantly, they needed fire. Symbolizing both rescue and destruction, the fire was used as a smoke signal for rescue. They climb to the top of the mountain so the signal smoke could be seen more easily. Unfortunately, when the juveniles attempt to make a fire the first time, it gets out of hand and catches the surrounding forest aflame. Piggy says to the boys, “You got your small fire all right.” While they are arguing over the fire, one of the younger children goes missing in the fire. They wanted to save their lives, and by doing so, ended another. They received more than they bargained for. At the end of the novel, the fire helps the boys get rescued, but not the way they wanted it to. When Jack tries to hunt down and kill Ralph he sets the entire island ablaze. A passing ship noticed the flames and ventured to the island to investigate, allowing the boys to be rescued. Thus, the fire paradoxically remains a symbol of both rescue and
The conch shell is first used in the beginning by Ralph to gather the boys together and decide what to do next. When he blew the conch, boys slowly trickled out of the woods at the …show more content…
They needed people to hunt for food, they needed to find shelters, but most importantly, they needed fire. Symbolizing both rescue and destruction, the fire was used as a smoke signal for rescue. They climb to the top of the mountain so the signal smoke could be seen more easily. Unfortunately, when the juveniles attempt to make a fire the first time, it gets out of hand and catches the surrounding forest aflame. Piggy says to the boys, “You got your small fire all right.” While they are arguing over the fire, one of the younger children goes missing in the fire. They wanted to save their lives, and by doing so, ended another. They received more than they bargained for. At the end of the novel, the fire helps the boys get rescued, but not the way they wanted it to. When Jack tries to hunt down and kill Ralph he sets the entire island ablaze. A passing ship noticed the flames and ventured to the island to investigate, allowing the boys to be rescued. Thus, the fire paradoxically remains a symbol of both rescue and