What Is Piggy's Glasses Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies

Symbolism - Piggy’s Glasses

In the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding, symbolism is a very important part of the story. There are many symbols in the book, one of the most important ones is one of the main characters Piggy’s glasses. His glasses managed to survive the crash, and the boys used the glasses the entirety of the book to start fires to cook food and to create a smoke signal. The glasses symbolize survival and rescue, but also the modernity that the boys do not have.

Piggy's glasses were the only way the boys could think of starting a fire. Survival is dependent on food, and the only way the boys could cook the pigs they caught was to cook it over a fire. “His specs—use them as burning glasses!” A fire could not have been started without the glasses to reflect the sun's rays. The boys tried to keep the fire going at all hours, but that didn't happen. Every time they needed to start the fire, they would use Piggy’s glasses.

If they could start a fire, then a ship could see the smoke. “Jack realizes that Piggy’s glasses can be used to start the first signal fire,” The boys would not be rescued if they didn't have the glasses to start the fire. The boys knew that if they didn’t have the glasses, they would not be rescued.

Piggy’s glasses also symbolize modernity, and the modernity that the boys didnt have on the island. The glasses are the only connection to the modern world that boys had on the island. The boys were so focused on the glasses because they didn't want to give up that connection to the world they lost. If the boys didn't have the glasses, then the connection would be gone and they would be forced to admit that the modern world was gone and they are truly alone. “Ralph made a step forward and Jack smacked Piggy’s head. Piggy’s glasses flew off and tinkled on the rocks. Piggy cried out in