Symbolism in Lord of the Flies Flashcards

Study Notes

Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

The Conch
- Represents law and order among the boys; serves as a tool for maintaining unity.
- Its abandonment marks the decline into savagery.
The Signal Fire
- Symbolizes hope for rescue; its instability reflects the boys' diminishing hope.
- Serves as a control mechanism over Jack's hunters until they reject Ralph.
The Beast
- Embodies the boys' inner demons and fears; symbolizes the primal instincts within each boy.
Pigs
- Illustrate the growing aggression and dominance associated with Jack's leadership.
The Lord of the Flies
- Symbolizes the inherent evil present in the boys and humanity as a whole.
- Connected to the concept of Beelzebub, representing a dramatized human evil.
Piggy's Specs
- Represent reasoning and intelligence among the boys; a vital tool for problem-solving.
- Piggy values his spectacles even more than the conch, emphasizing their significance.
The Island
- Symbolizes isolation and the environment where the darker aspects of human nature emerge.
Face Paint
- Acts as a disguise that allows boys to abandon civilized behavior and embrace savagery.
The Parachutist
- Represents the absence of adult authority; Simon's connection to the parachutist deepens the theme of isolation.
The Scar
- Marks the location of the plane crash, symbolizing destruction and the impact of human actions.
- Reflects the internal damage the boys inflict on themselves and others.
Ralph
- Represents the law-abiding, hardworking citizen focused on communal well-being and order.
- Believes in the possibility of a positive outcome if rules are followed.
Jack
- Illustrates destructive societal forces and manipulates fears for personal gain.
- Represents a shift from order to chaos and power struggles.
Piggy
- Stands for intellect and logic; faces ostracism due to his differences.
- His attempts to instill reason often go unheard.
Simon
- Represents a mystic, spiritual figure with a deeper understanding of the world.
- Struggles to articulate his insights to the others, highlighting communication barriers.
Sam and Eric
- Last to support Ralph, embody the internal conflict of remaining good amidst chaos.
Littluns
- Represent the general populace swayed into savagery without societal structure.
- Illustrate how easily morality deteriorates in the absence of authority.

Description

Explore the key symbols in 'Lord of the Flies' with this set of flashcards. Understand how items like the conch and signal fire represent deeper themes of law, order, and hope. Perfect for studying and reinforcing your knowledge of the novel's symbolism.