A symbol is something that represents particular themes and ideas.

1. The conch A symbol is something that represents particular themes and ideas. There are a number of symbols in Lord of the Flies, the first being: What does the conch represent? Who first notices it? Who thinks of a practical use for it? Why is this significant? ...

2. What does the conch represent? Rules, order, democracy Who first notices it? Ralph Who thinks of a practical use for it? Piggy Why is this significant? Because they are the two characters who understand the importance of the conch and what it stands for. They fight to retain its use by the group.

3. Fire is also symbolic. What do you think it symbolises? Chaos, anarchy, threat, death. How does Golding use language to convey the threat inherent in the fire started by the children? By using animal imagery The signal fire is also symbolic and represents hope. Who are most insistent the fire be kept alight? Who doesn’t care if it goes out? What is the significance of this?

4. What symbolises clear-sightedness and logical thinking? Piggy’s glasses Why is Piggy the only character to wear glasses? Because he stubbornly refuses to yield to superstition. He has an adult, objective viewpoint that makes him unpopular with ‘them kids’ What is symbolic about the smashing of one of the lenses in Chapter 4? The group are losing sight of their initial objective, which was . . rescue

5. Physical appearance How do the boys appear on our first encounters with them? Fair and attractive. He sheds his clothes rapidly. We sense that, given the opportunity, Ralph would be at one with the island. He is clearly delighted to be there. Ralph Overweight and wears glasses, the stereotype of the bully’s victim. Piggy stubbornly clings to his clothing, keeping his windcheater zipped up despite the heat. He is uncomfortable with the situation and clings to the formalities of home. Interestingly, Piggy is the only one whose hair doesn’t grow. Piggy

6. Physical appearance Roger is described as ‘the dark boy’. He is furtive, secretive. When we observe his behaviour on the beach, we are told that his hair has grown ‘low on his forehead’, symbolising his retreat from order and rules and the emergence of his primitive, savage nature. Now that he is free from adult rule, he can allow this previously secret side to reveal itself. Roger Black and darkness are associated with Jack’s description. He is at the head of a ‘creature’ – his black-clad choir. At first he continues to wear his uniform, his golden cap badge immediately symbolises his leadership. Unlike Ralph, he initially seems at odds with the environment. Just before his first kill he discovers masks. These symbolise his complete retreat from the rules and order of civilisation. Jack

7. The beast The beast is a symbol that is present throughout the novel, but its form shifts and changes. The choir, snakes, beast in the sea, the beast from the air, the pig, the tribe. What is the significance of each of these? the choir crossing the beach snakes beast in the sea beast from the air the pig Simon the tribe the capacity for cruelty which exists in us all pursuit of knowledge/temptation fear of the unknown hopes disappointed provision for the future death of innocence the worst of human nature As the fear of the beast grows, this fear is exploited by those who wish to gain power. It symbolises human nature, in Golding’s eyes – beastly.