Use of Symbolism in Goldings Lord of the Flies Essay

Use of Symbolism in Goldings Lord of the Flies Lord of the Flies, a suggestive name for the Devil, a devil whose name proposes that he is devoted to decay, destruction, demoralization and panic, exactly what William Golding had in mind when using symbolism in this novel. The Lord of the Flies (1954), is a novel in which interpretating the symbols are a main key to not only understanding, but also enjoying the novel. After tying many of the symbols together, you can figure out more about what the author is trying to depict, the overall scene. This story takes place during World War II on a deserted island. After a plane, transporting about a dozen young boys, gets shot down, they are trapped on an island without any adults.†¦show more content†¦He is eventually chosen as leader on account of his many positive qualities. He maintains a conflict with Jack throughout the entire novel, trying to keep order while Jack isnt as dedicated to it. The next person you meet in the story is a short fat boy, who wears spectacles. He is the most intellectual boy on the island, but since he has no social skills, he is usually in the background trying to maintain the peace. Together Ralph and Piggy represent the struggle for order and democracy. The next thing that shows up in the story that has very importance as a symbol is the conch. Piggy and Ralph were walking around the island looking for others, when they see a pink shell shimmering in the water. Piggy recalled the shell as one he had seen used as an instrument. Upon seeing this, he picked it up, handed it to Ralph, the leader figure, and told him to blow. As he did this a noise was produced so that it carried itself across the island, drawing all the other boys to its sound. This use of the conch is the first to demonstrate its symbolism as authority. The conch, throughout the whole story, is used to achieve order, and a symbol of authority for whom ever has possession of it, Ill give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when hes speaking And he wont be interrupted (33). While they were all getting along and all working toward one thing, the conch served its purpose. It was used to call meetings and to bring silence duringShow MoreRelated The Use of Symbolism in Goldings Lord of the Flies Essay983 Words   |  4 PagesThe Use of Symbolism in Goldings Lord of the Flies    His head opened and stuff came out and turned red. Piggys arms and legs twitched a bit like a pig after it has been killed (217). This is what can happen to someone when all signs of civilization, order and power disappear and have no more meaning to members of a group or society. In the writing of William Goldings Lord of the Flies (1954), the symbol of power and civilization is the conch. Once that is lost, all bets are off. 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