What Does The Fire Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies

In the novel, "Lord of the Flies," by William Golding, there are many examples of symbolism throughout the text. These symbols play a big role in the plot and resolution of the story.

Piggy is a very important character in the story. Piggy symbolizes the importance of scientific thought and intelligence on the island. "Which is better- to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?" (180) Piggy is trying to persuade the savages to return to rules and order rather than brutal violence and insane hunting. Piggy is one of the only characters who doesn't become a savage and resort to violence. He is a rational thinker and gives the islanders good advice, but unfortunately, Ralph is the only boy who listens to his suggestions. "Only Piggy could have the intellectual daring to suggest moving the fire from the mountain." (130) Piggy was very pleased with himself when he suggests moving the fire onto the beach. Ralph accepts his recommendation and they begin working hard to create fire again. Throughout the novel Piggy represents adult behavior and tries to think like a grownup would think. As a result, the boys

Fire has a huge impact on the rescue of the boys on the island. "The fire is the most important thing. Without fire we can't be rescued."(142) The signal fire becomes a symbol of hope and destruction. The hope of being resued and the destruction of the world waiting for them if they get rescued. "There was a ship. Out there. You said you'd keep the fire going and you let it out!" (70) Ralph's main focus is keeping a signal fire lit in the hopes of being rescued. While the boys who follow Jack are more concerned with hunting and killing. Ironically, Jack, the leader of the savages, lights the island on fire in an attempt to catch Ralph, which ultimatley saves the boys from the island. The fire that was meant to destroy ended up saving them from the island. The fire ended up being their