Lord of the Flies
In his novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding utilizes symbols to convey the idea that the island is a microcosm, which has analogues in the outside world. By converting the setting, the objects, and the characters of the story into symbols, Golding is able to truly express his feelings toward human society. Through different places on the island, Golding transforms the island into a miniature world. With various objects of the story, Golding further enriches the idea that the island is a microcosm. Finally, by manipulating the personalities of distinct characters in the novel, Golding creates analogues to the outside world, revealing various attitudes in human society. Throughout the story, certain symbolic elements that are contained within the setting turns the island into a microcosm of the greater whole, of the world. First of all, the story takes place on an island, which is described by the boys as "roughly boat-shaped" (26). A boat has always, since the dawning of mankind and civilization, been closely associated with human society. Quite evidently, the island is meant to be a representation of the human world. On the island are many different places that represent the various component
innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy" (225). Ralph is a representative of the part of the population that believes in democracy and civil authority based on consent. On a deeper level, Ralph also represents the group in society that was previously innocent and oblivious to the horrors of reality. He represents the carefree group that becomes subjected to responsibility and reality. Quite opposite to Ralph is Jack. Unlike the Ralph, Jack becomes a totalitarian dictator, where democracy is forgotten. While Ralph represents the part of society that becomes wiser and better through experiences, Jack slowly degrades from a highly developed character to a primitive beast. Therefore, Jack represents those in society that become more and more degraded as time passes. Eventually, this group in society will turn to violence or death. s of the foundation of civilization. The beach is a spot which represents the light and reason of society. Having become the place of assembly, the beach possesses the quality of individual rights and freedom of speech. The beach is the equivalent of a government building, where rules are made and courses of action are decided. Located on the beach are crudely-made shelters. These shelters, a place of residing for the boys at night from the ev! The characters of the novel represent different people in the human society today. Piggy represents the intelligent and sensible component of the popu
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Approximate Word count = 1018
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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