The Use of Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

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The Use of Symbolism in Lord of the Flies William Golding`s, Lord of the Flies, shows the movement from order to chaos through the use of symbolism. The symbolism used in the novel supports Golding's view of human nature. He believes that "people are inherently evil...[and] corrupt"(Themes).  The author also believes that "law and order control evil, but savagery is more powerful than reason"(Themes). Golding's view of human nature is exhibited by three main symbols that foreshadow the events to occur on the island. It is appropriate for Piggy to be the owner of the specs that are used as a symbol of intelligence because the author creates the character's image as an adult-like figure. The slow deterioration of the glasses foreshadows the events of the plot. In contrast to the glasses, Jack's knife symbolizes the boys` infinite savagery and the growing antagonism among the inhabitants of the island. In Ralph's possession is the "creamy [conch which] lay among the ferny weeds"(10). The conch symbolizes the rules and boundaries that bind society to modern civilization with the democracy, order and respect which it entails. Therefore, throughout Lord of the Flies, Golding, uses inanimate objects, (the glasses, knife and the conch), as symbols to reveal his belief that "[l]aw and order control evil, but savagery is more powerful than reason [and that] people are inherently evil"(Themes). Golding uses the specs as a symbol of intelligence, rationality and common sense - all qualities possessed by a civilized human being who functions in a society bound by rules, laws and taboos. The glasses symbolize many ideals on the island and within the boys. The glasses evidently show "intelligence [that is] traceable to Piggy"(19) because of his adult-like appearance and his ability to rationalize and assess the conflicts on the island very thoroughly. Because of the reason and rationality symbolized by the specs, they portray the wearer as an adult; one who is intelligent, rational and sensible.  The glasses are one of two man-made objects on the island, which demonstrates a symbol of intelligence through the technology needed to create such an object. Although, because the boys continuously ignore and exclude Piggy from daily activities, they are also removing the rational thought to which they are accustomed to: "everyone but Piggy [is] busy" (38). Throughout the
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novel, the specs become soiled with dirt, or the sins and extremities of the boys. When he speaks in front of the assembly, Piggy often finds himself "tak[ing] off his glasses and wip[ing]"(03) them in attempt to remove the blur of sins from the falling society. Evidently, the specs are frequently used for the wrong purpose. The boys "use them as burning glasses"(40) to start the fire on top of Castle Rock. Ironically, the item which symbolizes intelligence and reason is the object which starts the decent into savagery during the spreading of the fire; this proves Golding's theory that ...

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