Introduction
William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies is an allegorical tale that examines the human condition and the fragility of civilization. In the novel, Golding utilizes several powerful symbols to illustrate the novel’s central theme: the struggle between savagery and civilization. This essay will discuss three of Golding’s most important symbols. The conch, the beast, and the fire are three of the most potent symbols in Lord of the Flies; each serves to highlight the conflict between savagery and civilization, the core theme of the novel.
Symbols in Lord of the Flies
Conch
One of the most important symbols is the conch; it signifies order and civilization and is first introduced when Ralph and Piggy find it on the beach. As the novel progresses, the conch represents the rules and regulations of the island society. Ralph is the only one allowed to hold the conch and speak when it is present, epitomizing his role as the leader of the boys. Ralph states, “Whoever holds the conch gets to speak” (Golding 56). This quote further emphasizes the importance of the conch as a symbol of order and civilization.
Beast
The beast is another emblem that helps to illustrate the struggle between savagery and civilization. The boys’ fear of the beast manifests their inner darkness, and as Jack says, “The beast is part of us” (Golding 156). This statement helps to illustrate the idea that the beast is a symbol of the boys’ savagery, which is in direct opposition to the order and civilization that the conch signifies.
Fire
Fire is the third symbol; it initially signals passing ships, hoping to attract their attention and facilitate rescue. However, the fire takes on a new meaning as the boys’ savagery increases. It becomes a sign of destruction as the boys use it for hunting and killing. Jack says, “We will use the fire for hunting, and we will hunt the hunters” (Golding 129). This emphasizes the destructive power of the fire and how it signifies the boys’ descent into savagery.
Conclusion
In Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses the conch, the beast, and the fire as representations of the conflict between civilization and savagery, which is the novel’s central theme. These symbols help bring the novel’s themes to life and demonstrate how they can be in constant conflict. One can better understand the story and underlying message by examining these symbols in detail.
Work Cited
Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Faber & Faber, 2011.