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Exploring Symbolism in Lord of the Flies: Themes and Significance

Delve into the major themes and symbolism of Lord of the Flies, analyzing the shifts in human nature, civilization versus savagery, and the struggle for identity among the boys stranded on the island.

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Exploring Symbolism in Lord of the Flies: Themes and Significance

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  1. Lord of the Flies Major Symbolism

  2. Definition of a Symbol An object or action that means something more than its literal meaning Ex. A wedding ring: Surface meaning- the person is marries Symbolic meaning- commitment, love, dedication

  3. Symbolism in LOTF On the literal level On the symbolic level Lord of the flies explores what happens to civilized people when the structures of civilization disappear • Lord of the Flies is about what happens to a group of boys stranded on and island with no adult supervision

  4. The Island Has multiple symbolic meanings The symbolic meaning of the island changes as a result of the boys

  5. Before the boys After the boys

  6. The Scar

  7. Lord of the Flies (the beast) Literal Symbolic Death, decay, demoralization The beast= the evil and violence that exists in every person Most important symbolic conversation in the novel happens between Simon and the Lord of the Flies • Name for the devil • Pigs head on a stick

  8. The Conch • The rule of law • Leadership • Democracy • Order • Organization

  9. Piggy’s Glasses • Science • Technology • Clear vision (To make good decisions, see and understand) • Intellect

  10. Fire Positive Negative

  11. The Adult World • To the boys: • Order • Civilization • Social order • BUT… • Savage • Chaotic • Violent

  12. The Dead Parachutist

  13. Lord of the Flies Major Themes

  14. Human Nature • What happens when raw human nature takes over? • Are humans naturally good or evil?

  15. Innocence Forgo youth and face the real world, the “adult world” In the end, Ralph weeps “for the end of innocence”

  16. Fear • “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” • Fear is dangerous, it makes the boys think and imagine things • Fear of the cold war • What they needed to fear: themselves and each other

  17. Civilization Savagery Is innate in every human • Civilization hides the beast and contributes to it, it does not get rid of it

  18. Spirituality and Religion An alternative to living a savage life This can overcome the innate savagery by “accepting the beast”

  19. The Strong and the Weak The boys try to gain acceptance by appearing strong and powerful Most boys respect the most powerful boy(s): Ralph and Jack When vulnerable, the strong will often pick on weaker boys (Jack) Often leads to “insiders and outsiders” (Piggy=scapegoat)

  20. Identity • The boys struggle with their proper identity and their savage identity • They use paint to mask their identity

  21. Identify the Theme • Ralph and Jack looked at each other while society paused about them. The shameful knowledge grew in them and they did not know how to begin confession. Ralph spoke first, crimson in the face. “Will you?” He cleared his throat and went on. “Will you light the fire?”

  22. “This head is for the beast. It’s a gift”

  23. “Shut up,” said Ralph absently. He lifted the conch. “Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things.” “A chief! A chief!” “I ought to be chief,” said Jack with simple arrogance, “because I’m the chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp”

  24. “You can see who I am!” Ralph shouted. “Stop being silly!” He put the conch to his lips and began to blow. Savages appeared, painted out of recognition, edging round the ledge toward their neck. They carried and disposed themselves to defend the entrance.

  25. “It was furry/ There was something moving behind its head-wings. The beast moved too-” “That was awful. It kind of sat up-” … “There were eyes-” “Teeth-” “Claws-” “We ran as fast as we could-”

  26. Even the sounds of nightmare from the other shelters no longer reached him for he was back to where he came from, feeding the ponies with sugar over the garden wall.”

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