Symbolism in Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Symbolism in Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Lord of the Flies Symbolism

Table of Contents

Introduction

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.

Symbol of Conch

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.

  • Lord of the Flies as a Dystopian Novel

Symbol of Piggy’s Glasses

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.

Symbol of Fire

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.

Symbol of Beast

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.

Symbol of Island

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.

Symbol of Painted Face

The painted faces of Jack and his “tribe” symbolize man’s return to primitivism and barbarism.

Symbolism in Characters

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.

Symbol of dead Parachutist

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.

Golding with his superb brilliance has crafted the symbols in this novel to relate the gruesome picture of the post-World II human generation. These symbols help to convey the author’s message about human nature, with its contrasting poles of kindness and rationality and power and bloodlust. Well-written and meaningful,  Lord of the Flies  uses symbols to reinforce its telling of the tale of humanity.

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The Lord of the Flies Symbolism – Overview of Symbols

Home » Literature Explained – Literary Synopses and Book Summaries » Lord of the Flies » The Lord of the Flies Symbolism – Overview of Symbols

Lord of the Flies Symbolism

This novel takes place on a deserted island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. The island is tropical and full of plants and animals that help to enhance the sense of “wildness” that pervades throughout the story’s events. While much of the events that take place on the island are violent and chaotic, it’s important to see this as a representation for the world at large. We find out in the beginning of the novel that the boys were being evacuated from England during a violent global war.

Due to author William Golding’s experiences during WWII, this helps to convey the thematic elements that reflect the belief he picked up during war time that humanity possesses a certain amount of inherent evil. Nothing about the setting in this novel will allow audiences to forget this concept.

There are also several motifs that are wonderful supports to the story’s overarching themes and symbolic elements. Major motifs include nature, Biblical references, bullying, and symbols of savagery. These motifs either highlight truths about man’s innate goodness or about humankind’s innate evils. Seeing as the novel explores the juxtaposition between the existence of both these forces, these are important motifs to look out for. You will find them connected to the story’s major symbols, as well. For example, when Simon is looking at the boar’s head on a stick in the beautiful clearing, he ponders the stark contrast between nature’s beauty and what the boys have experienced on the island. During this time, he has an important epiphany and conceptualizes it by imagining the Lord of the Flies.

Symbolism Overview

Here’s a list of major symbols in Lord of the Flies.

The Conch Shell

Piggy’s glasses, the signal fire, the lord of the flies, the groups of boys, symbolism in lord of the flies.

lord of the flies symbolism

When Jack and his hunters slaughter a sow, they stake its head on a stick as an offering to the best they believe is living on the island. When Simon returns to a beautiful glad and finds the sow’s rotting head there attracting flies, he imagines that it speaks to him as the Lord of the Flies. He tells Simon that every human heart contains evil, which leads Simon to his epiphany that the boys themselves are actually what they hear in the island’s beast. This is also a biblical reference, as “lord of the flies” is a literal translation of Beelzebub, a powerful demon in the Bible.

Throughout the novel, the boys are largely divided. Ralph and his group represent order, intellectualism, and civility. Meanwhile, Jack and his group of hunters represent the wild nature and savagery. Each group of boys symbolizes one side of the dichotomy in human nature: good vs. evil. This is represented in the novel as civilization vs. savagery.

what does the conch symbolize in lord of the flies essay

Lord of the Flies

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The tropical island, with its bountiful food and untouched beauty, symbolizes paradise. It is like a Garden of Eden in which the boys can try to create the perfect society from scratch. read analysis of The Island

The Island Symbol Icon

The Lord of the Flies (the Beast)

The "Lord of the Flies," or the beast, inhabits the severed pig head that Jack 's hunters stake into the ground and leave as an offering. Simon recognizes that the Lord of the Flies is… read analysis of The Lord of the Flies (the Beast)

The Lord of the Flies (the Beast) Symbol Icon

The Conch Shell

The conch shell symbolizes the rule of law and civilization. It's used to call assemblies and as a kind of microphone that grants the right to speak to whomever holds it during assembly. read analysis of The Conch Shell

The Conch Shell Symbol Icon

Piggy's Glasses

By allowing the boys to create fire , the first necessity of civilization, Piggy 's glasses represent science and technology, mankind's power to transform and remake their environment to best suit its needs. read analysis of Piggy's Glasses

Piggy's Glasses Symbol Icon

Fire is a complicated symbol in Lord of the Flies . Like the glasses that create it, fire represents technology. Yet like the atomic bombs destroying the world around the boys' island, fire is a… read analysis of Fire

Fire Symbol Icon

Adults symbolize civilization and social order to the boys. But to the reader, the world war raging outside the island makes it clear that the adult "civilization" is as savage as the boys' "civilization" on… read analysis of Adults

Adults Symbol Icon

A rip in the forest caused by the crash landing of the boys' plane on the island . The scar symbolizes that man, and his savage nature, destroys paradise merely by entering it. read analysis of The Scar

The Scar Symbol Icon

The ocean symbolizes the unconscious, the thoughts and desires buried deep within all humans. read analysis of The Ocean

The Ocean Symbol Icon

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Exploring the Rich Symbolism in Lord of the Flies: An Essay

Exploring the Rich Symbolism in Lord of the Flies: An Essay

In William Golding’s classic novel, Lord of the Flies, the author skillfully employs various symbols to convey deeper meanings and explore the complex dynamics of human nature. For example, the conch shell, which serves as a symbol of authority and order, represents the struggle between civilization and savagery. The conch shell is initially found by Ralph, and it becomes a powerful item that allows him to establish a sense of organization and unity among the stranded children.

On the other side, we have Jack’s relentless pursuit of power and dominance, symbolizing the primal and instinctual nature that exists within mankind. From the early stages of the story, Jack’s obsession with hunting and killing foreshadows the chaos and violence that will later consume the island. Jack’s transformation from a choirboy into a savage leader is a chilling analysis of how the absence of rules and societal norms can bring out the darkest aspects of human nature.

Another striking symbol in the novel is the painting of the hunters’ faces. This symbolizes the loss of identity and the descent into savagery. When the boys choose to paint their faces, they abandon their individuality and become deeply immersed in their savage activities. The paint allows them to hide behind a mask, liberating them from the constraints of morality and societal expectations. It is a potent representation of how easily humanity can lose touch with its inherent goodness.

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The ongoing battle between the forces of civilization and savagery is a recurring theme in Lord of the Flies. While the rescue of the boys by the naval officer may suggest a return to civilization, the presence of warships lurking in the background reminds us that the capacity for violence and destruction is always present in mankind.

Golding’s use of symbolism goes beyond the main items found in the book. Symbols such as the “beast” and the “Lord of the Flies” represent the inherent darkness and evil that exist within every human being. These symbols serve as a chilling reminder that even the most innocent and seemingly pure individuals are capable of committing monstrous acts when pushed to their limits.

The Power of the Conch Shell

From the moment the boys are stranded on the island, they establish a system where whoever holds the conch shell has the right to speak. This rule ensures that everyone has a chance to be heard and prevents chaos from taking over. With the conch shell, the boys are able to maintain some level of goodness and civilization despite their dire circumstances.

The conch shell also becomes a symbol of hope for the boys. They believe that if they can blow the conch shell loud enough, they will be rescued and returned to the world of adults. This belief drives them to grow and develop, as they take on the responsibility of tending to the fire and creating smoke signals. The conch shell thus becomes a tangible link between their current savage existence and the possibility of being rescued and returning to civilization.

However, as the boys gradually descend into savagery, the power of the conch shell diminishes. Jack, who represents the darker side of human nature, openly defies the rule of the conch and challenges Ralph’s leadership. He says, “We don’t need the conch anymore. We know who ought to say things.” This statement suggests that the conch shell, which once stood for order and civil society, is now irrelevant in the face of the boys’ savage behavior.

The conch shell’s diminishing power is further highlighted in Simon’s tragic death. As Simon tries to tell the boys about the true nature of the beast, he holds the conch shell and attempts to speak. However, the boys, driven by fear and irrationality, brutally attack Simon and kill him. This violent act signifies the triumph of savagery over reason, with the conch shell unable to protect Simon or maintain order.

The Beast as a Reflection of the Boys’ Inner Fear

The beast is initially introduced as a figment of the boys’ imagination, a creature that they fear but cannot see. However, as the novel continues, the beast takes on a more tangible form, becoming a symbol of the boys’ own primitive and violent nature. The fear of the beast represents the boys’ fear of losing their civilized selves and succumbing to the inherent savagery within them.

Simon, one of the main characters in the story, is the first to recognize the true nature of the beast. He believes that the beast is not an external entity, but rather something that is within each of them. Simon understands that the beast symbolizes the darkness within their hearts and the capacity for evil that exists in every human being.

The boys’ increasing belief in the existence of the beast is paralleled by their decline into savagery. As they abandon the rules and organization that they initially established, their behavior becomes more violent and inhumane. The once hope-filled and civilized society they tried to create on the island becomes corrupted and disintegrated.

Throughout the novel, the beast is used to illustrate the power of fear and how it can consume individuals and groups alike. It serves as a reminder that violence and chaos are not only present outside of civilization, but can also be found within. The boys’ inability to confront their own inner fears and acknowledge their own capacity for darkness ultimately leads to their downfall.

The Fire as a Symbol of Hope and Rescue

The fire initially serves as a tool for survival and a beacon of hope. After the boys are stranded on the island, Ralph, the elected leader, suggests that they start a fire to signal any passing ships. This idea is seen as a glimmer of hope for the boys, as they believe that the fire will lead to their rescue and eventual return to civilization.

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However, as the story progresses, the meaning of the fire evolves. It becomes a symbol of destruction and violence rather than hope and rescue. The fire is responsible for the death of one of the boys, as it gets out of control and engulfs the island. This tragic event highlights the darker side of human nature and the destructive power that lies within all individuals.

Moreover, the fire also serves as a metaphor for the loss of civilization and the descent into savagery. As the boys become more disconnected from society and its rules, the fire becomes less of a priority for them. They start to prioritize hunting and violence over the maintenance of the fire, which is a direct reflection of their inner moral decay.

Interestingly, the fire also represents the boys’ ability to choose between good and evil. It becomes a test of their character, as some choose to follow the rules and keep the fire alive, while others succumb to their primal instincts and abandon it. This choice ultimately leads to their downfall and the tragic events that unfold on the island.

The Transformation of the Boys into Savages

In the early stages of the novel, the boys attempt to establish a civilized society by electing Ralph as their leader and creating rules. They even adopt the symbolic use of the conch shell as a means of organizing their meetings and maintaining order. The conch shell, which represents the power of authority and civilization, is initially seen as a beacon of hope for the boys’ rescue.

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However, as the boys stay stranded on the island without any adult supervision, their belief in the existing civilization begins to wane. The absence of adults and the lack of rules lead them to abandon their civilized behavior and embrace their inner savagery. They choose to hunt and kill pigs for food without remorse, symbolizing their descent into a more primal state of existence.

The character of Jack serves as a powerful symbol of this transformation. His initial desire to be seen as a leader turns into an obsession with power and control. He manipulates the other boys through fear and violence, ultimately becoming a dictator-like figure. Jack’s transformation highlights the dark side of human nature and the capacity for evil that exists within us all.

Another symbolic character is Simon, who represents goodness and spirituality. His encounters with the “Lord of the Flies”, a pig’s head on a stick, further emphasize the theme of the boys’ transformation into savages. The pig’s head, or the “Lord of the Flies”, symbolizes the boys’ inner evil and the chaos that ensues when they give in to their darkest impulses.

Throughout the text, the boys’ transformation into savages is visible in their actions and their treatment of one another. They become increasingly violent and cruel, forming tribes and engaging in brutal rituals. This transformation is a commentary on the fragile nature of civilization and the potential for chaos and brutality that exists within human society.

In summary, “Lord of the Flies” explores the transformation of the boys into savages through powerful symbolism. The loss of civilization and descent into savagery is exemplified by the boys’ abandonment of rules, their obsession with power, and their embrace of violence. The novel serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that exists within human nature.

The Significance of Piggy’s Glasses

Piggy’s glasses are initially introduced as a simple object, merely a means for him to see. However, as the story unfolds, the glasses take on a much greater meaning. They represent the boys’ connection to the outside world, a world where rules and order prevail. Piggy’s glasses symbolize adult thinking and rationality, a reminder of the civilized society the boys left behind.

As the boys begin to descend into savagery, they lose sight of the glasses’ significance. They become more interested in satisfying their immediate desires and asserting their dominance over others. This loss of respect for intellect and reason is evident in their treatment of Piggy, as they taunt and ridicule him for his reliance on his glasses.

Furthermore, Piggy’s glasses also represent hope and the potential for rescue. Initially, the boys use the glasses to start a fire in hopes of attracting passing ships and rescue. The fire becomes a symbol of their desire to return to civilization. However, as the story progresses, the boys’ focus shifts from rescue to hunting and violence, and the fire is neglected and eventually extinguished. This failure to maintain the fire symbolizes the boys’ descent into darkness and the loss of their connection to humanity.

Finally, the significance of Piggy’s glasses is underscored in a tragic event. When Piggy is killed by Roger, one of the boys on Jack’s side, his glasses are shattered. This act symbolizes the complete breakdown of civilization and the triumph of savagery. With Piggy’s death and the destruction of his glasses, the boys lose their last link to reason and morality.

What is the symbolism in Lord of the Flies?

In Lord of the Flies, there are several prominent symbols that represent different aspects of humanity and society. The conch shell symbolizes order and civilization, while the beast represents the primal instincts and fear within the boys. The signal fire symbolizes the hope for rescue, while the pig’s head on a stick, known as the “Lord of the Flies,” symbolizes the evil and darkness that exists within human nature.

How does the conch shell symbolize order in Lord of the Flies?

The conch shell symbolizes order and civilization in Lord of the Flies because it is used as a tool for the boys to establish rules and maintain order on the island. Whoever holds the conch shell has the right to speak and be heard, creating a system of democracy. The conch shell represents the boys’ desire for social order and their attempt to establish a functioning society on the island.

What does the beast represent in Lord of the Flies?

The beast in Lord of the Flies represents the primal instincts and fear within the boys. It is initially believed to be a physical monster that lurks in the jungle, but it is later revealed that the true beast resides within the boys themselves. The beast represents the darkness and savagery that exist within human nature, and the boys’ increasing fear and belief in the beast leads to their descent into chaos and violence.

What does the pig’s head on a stick symbolize in Lord of the Flies?

The pig’s head on a stick, known as the “Lord of the Flies,” symbolizes the evil and darkness that exists within human nature. It represents the boys’ descent into savagery and their loss of civilization. The pig’s head speaks to Simon, revealing the brutal truth that the beast is not an external entity, but a part of themselves. The pig’s head symbolizes the corruption and destruction that occurs when humanity is stripped away and primal instincts take over.

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Lord of the Flies Symbolism

Symbolism refers to symbols, or concrete image writers use to convey specific meanings to their readers. Different symbols are used to refer to different things, situations and circumstances that readers understand based on their contexts , environments, and situations. Symbolism in Lord of the Flies conveys various meanings to various readers according to their respective contexts, texts, and situations. Some of the significant symbols used in Lord of the Flies are discussed below.

Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

Piggy finds the conch, a shell, on the seashore and tells Ralph what it is. He also tells him an innovative idea of how and why to use it. It is then used to gather boys and call an assembly. In this connection, it becomes a symbol of authority, order, and law. It wins not only respect and obedience but also proves that the person who is holding the conch has the ultimate authority. When it is with a person, every boy is bound to pay respect and obey him. That is why Jack attacks conch to end the authority and establishes his own rule. The end of conch is an end of the era of law and order.

Piggy’s Glasses

Piggy is handicapped and wears glasses. He also has asthma. His asthmatic disability has blessed him with rational power . On the other hand, his glasses have given him an edge to start a fire. Hence, it becomes a symbol of life which is used to prepare a fire to use as a signal for rescue. It becomes so much significant among the boys that Jack and his hunters attack Ralph and Piggy and their group to snatch the glasses to make their own fire.

The Signal Fire

The signal created by fire by the boys is actually a symbol of life and safety. It also shows that civilization is alive on the island. When the boys determine to stay alive and to return to the civilization, they instantly accept Piggy’s suggestion to light the fire, using his glasses. However, as the boys become lazy and oblivious, they ignore to keep it alive. Hence, the fire eventually dies. Even by the end, it becomes clear that the signal fire is important for the civilized behavior and helped in the safe rescue of the boys.

The beast is actually the head of the parachuting dead soldier hanging by the branches of trees . It is infested with maggots and flies. The only boy who knows the reality of this beast is Simon. However, he fails to explain it to other boys. Therefore, it has transformed into a symbol of something dreadful and terrifying. In fact, this head symbolizes the inner savagery and barbarism of the boys in specific and mankind in general.

The Lord of the Flies

This is the head of a pig that the hunters from Jack’s group impale and plant on a stick to offer a sacrifice to the beast. They believe that the beast which supposedly terrifies them will be pleased. It is a physical representation of their awe towards that beast. The phrase ‘the lord of the flies ’ refer to their naming it as the lord of those flies which swarmed the head of the dead soldier. It symbolizes something that is to be presented as a gift to the beast to hold sway over the flies as it is their lord.

There are mostly young boys on the island, and they all represent innocence. Ralph, with his sensible nature, is a specific representative of civilization and order. It is he who finds the conch and calls others to form an assembly. In this sense, he represents leadership and guidance. Therefore, he is a symbol of law, order, authority and civilization on the island.

In spite of the physical disability, due to weak eyesight and asthma, Piggy has a very clear perspective on things and is also a visionary in his thoughts. He represents those sane voices that are not heard much in the crowd, but they prove true. He shares the idea of lighting the fire by using his glasses. He also gives suggestions for an assembly and formation of rules on the island. In this sense, he is a symbol of rationalism, order, and legitimacy.

Jack does not show much of his true nature at the beginning of the novel . However, he proves highly unpredictable, barbaric and savage by the end. His first posture of being a hunter and an aggressive young boy shows his wild nature. He gathers a pack of boys with painted faces. He announces that they are his hunters and that he would train them for hunting. With the passage of time, they fall into the pit of savagery during hunting and become enemy of the group led by Ralph. They kill Piggy and chase Ralph to kill him next. Hence, Jack becomes a symbol of evil and savagery. He represents the savage culture as opposed to Ralph who represents civilization.

The pig is an animal found on that island. The boys, the group of hunters, led by Jack, find the traces of a pig and start hunting other pigs. With the course of time, it becomes their practice to talk how to hunt pigs and trap them. Once Jack plants the head of a pig on a stick, calling it ‘the lord of the flies’ with the purpose to present it as a sacrificial gift to the beast. Hence, the pig symbolizes a temptation for the boys to leave humanity and turn to savagery and barbarism.

The Naval Officer

The naval officer is a British officer of the Royal Navy. He appears by the end of the novel who comes to the island after seeing the fire. He confronts Ralph who is running for his life from Jack’s hunters. When he sees the boys playing the barbaric game, he scolds them for showing dirty and rude manners unbecoming of the British boys. He asks Ralph about their game and their presence on the island over which Ralph’s eyes are filled with tears. He is hardly able to narrate the barbaric episode to the officer when other boys appear. They instantly become a pack of civilized dirty boys after seeing the officer in uniform with a pistol in his holster. In other words, the naval officer represents order, authority, and culture. His uniform and pistol are symbols of the rule of law and the tools to establish it.

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  1. What Does the Conch Symbolize in Lord of the Flies

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  3. The Conch

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  4. The Lord of the Flies Symbolism

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  1. Lord of the Flies: Central Idea Essay: What Does the Conch Shell

    In Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses a conch, or a large, milky-white shell, to symbolize a civilized society that regulates itself through democratic engagement. Initially, the boys use the conch to establish a society reminiscent of their familiar British social order: a civil society founded on discourse and consensus.

  2. Lord of the Flies Quotes: The Conch

    Thus, the conch symbolizes civilization, adult rules, and the democratic process. As Ralph is the first to utilize the conch as a social tool, it also becomes a symbol of Ralph's legitimacy as a leader. Ralph took the conch from where it lay on the polished seat and held it to his lips; but then he hesitated and did not blow.

  3. What does the conch symbolize in Lord of the Flies

    The conch, on its discovery, is simply a shell, but when Ralph and Piggy discover how loud it is when blown into, it attains its first symbolic significance; it can be used to summon the other...

  4. Lord of the Flies: Symbols

    The Conch Shell Ralph and Piggy discover the conch shell on the beach at the start of the novel and use it to summon the boys together after the crash separates them. Used in this capacity, the conch shell becomes a powerful symbol of civilization and order in the novel.

  5. The Conch Shell Symbol in Lord of the Flies

    The conch shell symbolizes the rule of law and civilization. It's used to call assemblies and as a kind of microphone that grants the right to speak to whomever holds it during assembly. The Conch Shell Quotes in Lord of the Flies The Lord of the Flies quotes below all refer to the symbol of The Conch Shell.

  6. The Conch in Lord of the Flies

    The conch symbolizes power in its representation of unity, order, and authority. It unifies the boys by the sound bringing them together for meetings. It instills order by controlling who gets to...

  7. Symbolism in Lord of the Flies by William Golding

    Symbol of Conch. 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 ...

  8. The Lord of the Flies Symbolism

    Symbolism in Lord of the Flies. The Conch Shell. After the plane crash, Ralph and Piggy find the conch shell on the beach. Piggy's suggests using it as a trumpet to draw the other survivors to them. The conch shell becomes much more than this as Ralph and some of the other boys work to try and establish some sort of social order.

  9. Symbol of the Conch in Lord of the Flies Essay

    786 Words 4 Pages. From Lord of the Flies, there were many things like Conch and Fire that symbolized something. One of the most important symbols was the Conch. The Conch, which is a big shell that can be seen at the beach symbolizes many things in the Lord of the Flies. The Conch represents power because it once was able to control the boys ...

  10. Lord of the Flies Symbols

    The Lord of the Flies (the Beast) The "Lord of the Flies," or the beast, inhabits the severed pig head that Jack 's hunters stake into the ground and leave as an offering. Simon recognizes that the Lord of the Flies is… read analysis of The Lord of the Flies (the Beast)

  11. Exploring the Rich Symbolism in Lord of the Flies: An Essay

    This essay explores the rich symbolism in Lord of the Flies, focusing on the significance of the conch shell. It analyzes the role of the conch as a symbol of order and civilization, and explores how its power and influence deteriorates throughout the novel. This article delves into the deeper meaning behind the conch and its implications for the characters and themes in Lord of the Flies.

  12. Civilization To Savagery in Lord Of The Flies

    Why is it that people in civilized societies find it harder to remain civilized, when away from the law, or authority figures enforcing it? In the novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding explores the loss of civilization and the rise of savagery, by utilizing symbolism to allow the reader to question their beliefs and values, when away from a civilized society.

  13. What Does The Conch Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies

    In the novel Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, the conch symbolizes a government. This shell, that Ralph and Piggy have found, gives order and authority.

  14. What Does The Conch Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies

    Lord of the Flies. 1) Character Map: 2) What does the conch symbolize? The conch symbolizes the civilization and order, because the one who have it is the only one who can talk (Even if sometimes this rule is not taken into account), also it helps to join the boys and to keep them in order and peace.

  15. Lord of the Flies Symbolism

    Symbolism refers to symbols, or concrete image writers use to convey specific meanings to their readers. Different symbols are used to refer to different things, situations and circumstances that readers understand based on their contexts, environments, and situations. Symbolism in Lord of the Flies conveys various meanings to various readers according to their respective contexts, texts, and ...

  16. Lord of the Flies: Suggested Essay Topics

    3. The sow's head and the conch shell each wield a certain kind of power over the boys. In what ways do these objects' powers differ? In what way is Lord of the Flies a novel about power? About the power of symbols? About the power of a person to use symbols to control a group? 4. What role do the littluns play in the novel?

  17. Lord of the Flies: Central Idea Essay: What Does the Conch Shell

    An essay that focuses on a main idea from Lord of the Flies.

  18. What Does The Conch Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies

    The glasses symbolize intelligence, the conch symbolizes order, and the fire symbolizes hope. Foremost, Golding uses Piggy's glasses to symbolize intelligence. Piggy is the most intelligent boy of the group. He showcases …show more content… The conch is first used authoritatively by Ralph to summon the boys shortly after they landed on the island.

  19. Lord Of The Flies By William Golding: Civilized to Savage

    Discuss William Golding's use of symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies' Pages: 9 (2675 words) Discussion of the book "Lord Of The Flies" by William Golding Pages: 12 (3384 words) An Analysis of Lord of the Flies by William Golding Pages: 2 (361 words) Passage Analysis Essay - The Lord Of The Flies by William Golding Pages: 2 (585 words)

  20. Lord of the Flies: Themes

    Lord of the Flies explores the dangers of mob mentality in terrifying scenes of violence and torture. Early on, the boys sing "Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood," after a successful hunt, elevating their shared act of violence into a celebratory chant. By coming together as a mob, the boys transform the upsetting experience of ...

  21. Lord Of The Flies Loss Of Innocence By William Golding

    The Title does refer to a scene in Chapter 8 when Simon has a vision of himself talking to the 'Lord Of The Flies'. The story is set during a ferocious war and it begins with an airplane that is evacuating a group of schoolboys from Britain being shot down and landing on a deserted island with no way to contact the rest of the world.

  22. Lord of the Flies: A+ Student Essay: Would Piggy Have Made a Good

    Piggy may have the tactical smarts to be a good leader, but because he cannot convincingly act the role, he would not be able to marshal the boys if given the chance. Although his contributions often go unappreciated, Piggy comes up with some of the most important innovations on the island. He sees the conch's potential as a rallying device ...