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Symbols In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

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In literature symbolism plays a significant role. Symbolism basically relates to the symbols that points towards specific ideas not in a literal sense but by use of multiple symbols. It really gives the deeper stratum of meaning to a work of literature.Symbolic meaning is employed to give something totally different meaning which is much more deeper and you can say the idea becomes implied to some extent . In novels symbolism highlights the deeper implications of the situations or characters and their effects. William Golding has used several symbols in his novel “Lord of the Flies”. In the novel “Lord of the Flies” one of the most important symbols is the “conch”. Talking about the literal sense the oft quoted word is basically an instrument …show more content…

The sense that is tendered from fire is of cooking and, accordingly Jack makes use of fire for the cooking or roasting of hunted pigs. But more significantly fire becomes a symbol of rescue. Ralph suggested that fire should be lightened at all times on top so that it might attract attention of the sailors of a passing ship. Therefore he seemed disgusted if the fire was put down due to the negligence of jack and his fellowmen who seemed more inclined towards hunting than letting the fire lightened up. Ralph repeatedly urges the boys not to forget to feed the fire and to keep it burning all the time. Ralph emphasis the need of maintaining a fire by saying “the fire’s the most important thing. Without the fire we can’t be rescued. I’d like to put on war-paint and be a savage. But we must keep the fire burning. The fire’s the most important the island….”Thus the fire symbolizes the hope of rescue and at the end it is the fire blazing all over the forest which attracts the attention of the commander of a passing ship and brings him to the island to rescue some boys. Fire also serves as the symbol of comfort to some of the boys. When piggy lights a fire close to the platform, the twins seem glad as they presumed fire as a source of solace at night. Later in the novel even Ralph recognizes the fire as a source of comfort. Ralph admitted “the double function” of the fire. As it was also the hope for rescue in the day so that they can be

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