Introduction – focus on the task

2. Introduction – focus on the task “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding is a novel that makes extensive use of symbolism to present the view that a darker side of human nature exists within man. It relates the story of a group of young boys who are stranded on a deserted island. From hopeful beginnings the boys quickly descend into barbarism and savagery. By focusing on the symbolic use of objects and characters I will show how Golding effectively presents his pessimistic view that we all have a darkness within us that is precariously contained behind the fragile barrier of civilisation.

3. Analyse – don’t re-tell

4. Analysing words • suggests • shows • creates • mirrors • establishes • reinforces • emphasises • foreshadows • demonstrates • reveals • underlines

5. When piggy is killed by the rock and the conch breaks this is the final proof that all reason has been lost to the main group of boys. Despite the conch’s earlier importance the boys no longer care for its use to the extent that they destroy it. That Piggy is murdered in this same action illustrates just how far the boys have fallen from democracy and how deeply they are immersed in evil. The destruction of peace and cooperation in the conch is so quick and easy that it presents the idea that harmony in the world is so fragile that it could be smashed in one swift blow. Piggy is consistently associated with the conch because as a beacon of intelligence Golding relates him to order. This is the definitive proof that the author believes in peace and that he does intend that the opposition to this peace – in characters such as Jack – be seen as the depiction of evil.

6. Evaluative words • thought-provoking • hard-hitting • shocking • disturbing • effective • important • profound • striking

7. The end of the novel sees both the boys and the fire raging out of control on the island. All seems lost for Ralph until he encounters an adult who seems to offer an end to the nightmare of the island. Ralph breaks down at this point: "Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy." Ralph now understands the true “darkness” that exists within our hearts. We feel truly sorry for Ralph and the ordeal that he has endured. It is significant that the adult who rescues them is a naval officer involved in a war. War is, of course, all about dominating and killing and this reinforces Golding’s view that mankind is driven by the darker side of his nature. Perhaps Ralph’s loss of “innocence” is merely the process of becoming an adult.

8. Conclusion • “Golding’s use of symbolism clearly helps to communicate the view that a darker side of human nature exists. The conch and its eventual demise effectively represents the delicate nature of civilisation. The beast and the powerful symbol of the pig’s head, effectively symbolises the savage nature of man. Golding’s view that this savage nature will come to dominate is pessimistic and disturbing. The fact that a naval officer, involved in war, rescues the boys seems to reinforce this pessimistic view. However perhaps there is a glimmer of hope to be found in the character of Ralph who stands up to the savagery till the end.”

9. Linking phrases • Another major symbol … • The beast is the most powerful symbol of the boys’ darker nature • Characters in the novel can also be viwed as symbolic…

10. Use “novel” not “book” • Avoid contractions: • “is not” instead of “isn’t” etc • Make sure your argument progresses logically. • Write in present tense throughout. • Make sure your work is your own.