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Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies. Symbolism Notes. The Conch Shell. Civilization & order; political legitimacy and the power of a democracy. Jack’s lack of interest in the conch signifies his disregard for civilization.

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Lord of the Flies

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  1. Lord of the Flies Symbolism Notes

  2. The Conch Shell • Civilization & order; political legitimacy and the power of a democracy. • Jack’s lack of interest in the conch signifies his disregard for civilization. • Later, the breaking of the conch signifies the demise of civilization in the novel and the adult world as a whole (microcosm vs. macrocosm. • Conch fades in color –fading in POWER (78). • Conch makes the point, not Ralph (78-79). • Ralph looks to the conch for intelligence (79). • Respect for the conch, but not when it involves Piggy! (83). • Ralph fears losing power even if he calls with the conch (92).

  3. The Island • Represents the world • The island and the “society” the boys try to develop there is a microcosm that is meant to mirror the world during WWII.

  4. The Scar • Symbolizes man’s destruction and the destructive forces of mankind involving nature.

  5. Piggy’s Glasses • Represent the power of science and intellect in society • The shattered lens indicates a breakdown of clear-thinking. • Piggy gains confidence when he takes off his glasses. He becomes more like everyone else (83-84). • “‘Or break my specs’” (94). –without specs, Piggy cannot see, and the boys have no fire.

  6. The Signal Fire • A barometer of the boy’s link to civilization • Symbolizes their desire to be rescued and returned to the adult world • Also symbolizes safety and security later in the novel • Later, when the fire goes out, it indicates the extent to which the boys are accepting their savage natures and forgetting about their desire for rescue.

  7. The Beast • Symbolizes the boys’ biggest fears –Those fears can be physical or mental (emotional). • The fear that separates man from God • The dark side of human nature –the evil that lurks within us all • The more savage the boys become, the more real the beast seems to be. • “I’m calling a meeting, even if we have to go into the dark” (75). • “You littluns started all this, with the fear talk. Beasts!” (82!!!). • Page 89 –The Beast is each other???

  8. The Lord of the Flies • Beelzebub (or the Devil) • Physical manifestation of the beast or the evil powers

  9. The Lagoon • Innocence and play • The lagoon symbolizes the safety and innocence of the young boys

  10. The Lights from the Air Battle • Serves as a reminder of what is going on beyond the island • Represents the war –both on & off the island • The adult world the boys long for is no better than the world created on the island.

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