Symbols: The Stairs That Take A Story To The Next Level (HOOK) The way through which a novel utilizes symbols often helps to elevate it to new heights by providing it with multiple meanings. (CI) The novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding can be described as the epitome of this situation. (GS1) The symbols in this novel could perhaps have a religious purpose. (GS2) On the other hand, the symbols could be providing a message regarding society. (GS3) Finally, the symbols utilized in this novel can be so influential that they could make a statement about human nature itself. (THESIS STATEMENT) The symbolism in the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding points toward several truths about (I) religion, (II) society, (III) and human nature …show more content…
(RE-WORDING MA) The chaos of society is represented by the plane crash and the several generations involved throughout the novel. (MINOR 1 FOR MA) First, the plane crash symbolizes the breakdown of society in the world. Ralph describes the incident by telling, “The plane was shot down in flames” (Golding 26). Just as the plane is shot down in flames, society can also break down in the same way. When the plane crashes into the island, the wreckage that it leaves behind symbolizes the chaos of the destruction of society. Since the boys rise from the wreckage of a collapsed society, each of their unique personalities shows how people could react during times of chaos. For example, Ralph clings to order, while Jack does the exact opposite by reverting to savagery. (MINOR 2 FOR MA) Then, the numerous generations of people that are represented throughout the novel are highly symbolic. On the island, the society that the boys create is composed of older boys and younger boys, known as “littleuns.” The older boys represent the next generation of evil that will rise to power in the world, since they will be the world’s next leaders. The “littleuns” are meant to symbolize the emerging generation of evil, as they are learning from watching the actions of the older boys. At the end of the book, a current naval officer seemingly rescues both groups of boys from the island. However, the naval officer is not really rescuing them, because he will be returning them to a war-torn world. When Ralph realizes this at the end of the novel, “Ralph wept for the end of innocence and the darkness of man’s heart” (Golding 158). Therefore, the naval officer symbolizes the present evil in the world, whom no one can be saved from. (RE-WORDING OF B) In the novel, democracy is often alluded to, especially
A character who uses fear as his biggest strength shows the boys he is the most dangerous amongst the others on the island. “ See? See? That’s what you’ll get! There isn’t a tribe for you anymore!
Symbols are everywhere. Readers see symbols in all kinds of literary works. Symbols are used to represent ideas and concepts in literary works. Authors use symbols to help the readers understand themes. In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the theme present is that societies need some kind of social order to live in peace.
The book follows a group of boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island and left to fend for themselves. As time passes, the boys become more savage and violent, eventually turning on each other in a battle for power. This theme is further explored through the character of Jack, who becomes increasingly authoritarian and manipulative, ultimately leading to the death of several of his peers. The novel suggests that without the constraints of society, humans are prone to violence and destruction.
Symbolism can also be used to represent complex emotions and experiences the authors would find difficult to express only through words. Storms, for example, can deepen the idea of turmoil in one’s life. Along with that, symbolism creates powerful images, capturing the reader’s attention with memorable images all while highlighting the most important themes for the author to further help convey the message and main idea of the essay. For example, the continuous use of the gate as a symbol of
There are millions of books to choose from in the world today, some are about eternal love others about adventurous teenagers living in a dystopia. Oddly enough a very smart naval officer in the war wrote a book about humanity 's true ways and how we genuinely are and who we can become. Lord of the Flies is the book that was popular in its day and still is. Its full off loose ends, foreshadowing and pure evil. But William Golding keeps us all guessing till the shocking 12th chapter when we learn the true meaning of become a savage and what we can truly develop into.
The boys no longer had adults in their lives, and because of this void, they had to become responsible. They attempted to create rules, shelters, and a way off the island. They attempted to provide for one another, and eventually began to act a little like adults. “…The ground was hardened by an accustomed tread and as Jack rose to his full height he heard something moving on it.
The protagonist, Ralph, is the first leader of the school boys, he symbolizes democracy and order on the island. Even though Ralph symbolizes these things, he is open to struggles. The main conflict that is going on with Ralph is the fight to stay humane and ethical. He struggles to find himself and remain the leader on the island. The first example of this is the “mock hunt”.
Symbolism allows the author to create a story that would otherwise be bland and monotone. Without this dark romantic element, books, short stories, and poems would not have as much meaning nor appealing detail. Symbolism in "The Raven," "The Devil and Tom Walker," and "The Minister's Black Veil," creates layers of meaning and interesting characters. Symbolism has been used for centuries to spice up the literary world. Sometimes it is used in obvious ways, but other time it has to be thoroughly studied to be imperturbably understood.
The island can be compared to the world and these boys can be compared to leaders. Civilized boys such as Ralph and Simon use their power to protect the younger boys, while savage boys such as Jack and Roger abuse their power to
As Jack’s moral character deteriorates, it brings his savagery to the surface, allowing the remnants of civilization to be forgotten. In the beginning of the novel, a group of young boys find themselves alone, without any adults, on an island after
These boys, plus others, get stranded on an island, with no adults, after their plane crashes. Throughout the story the boys start to become savage-like and turning on one another. In the duration of the book some symbols are mentioned,
In Lord of the Flies, William Golding, a naval officer during WWII, demonstrates evil when a plane full of British boys crash on an unknown island with no discipline or rules and the boys try to survive against nature. As time goes by, boys such as the elected leader Ralph, sensible Piggy and good Simon manage to remain disciplinary, but the others boys like Jack and his tribe choose to behave like savages. Without the sense of order in man, man will lose the essence of being civilized to savagery. Golding presents his view that man is inherently evil when nature challenges the decision of what’s right and wrong, he shows this by using symbolism, biblical parallels and morals of mankind.
Society isn’t perfect and it’s about to either hit you in the head or go over. “Lord of the Flies”, shows symbolism, a topic some people don’t understand. William Golding uses symbolism to create a universal message in his novel. Symbolism is the symbolic meaning attached to natural objects or facts. In this novel, William Golding uses symbolism to trace the defects of society back to the human nature by two major symbols, Piggy and the Conch.
The island is used as a sort of playing ground to reveal the true underlying qualities of each character, and as mentioned above, the qualities of humanity. When the boys first gather on the island, they are quick to order themselves in a society, more of a tribe in their case, that reflects the social structure they were exposed to at home. This process involves electing a leader, holding meetings or assemblies to vote on matters, and working together for the greater good of everyone on the island. The assemblies become a part of keeping order within their society. To illustrate, when Ralph finds out that Jack neglected the fire he calls an assembly to prioritize.
The boys learn to adapt and grow based on what is happening around them and they learn how to survive. The novel demonstrates that people lose their innocence based on their surroundings. When the boys first arrived on the island they were clueless and innocent. As