Significant Aspects of a Prominent Novel
William Golding's characters signify the theme: man inherits evil. Also, Christianity plays a role, as Biblical allusions satiate the novel. In addition, Golding's characters demonstrate leadership, such as democracy and dictatorship. Finally, symbolism pervades the novel. In order to comprehend William Golding's Lord of the Flies, it is essential to analyze the novel's themes, leadership concepts, and symbols. Golding illustrates several themes throughout the novel. "Which is better-to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?" (Golding, LOF 180). The development of savagery illustrates the "Original Sin" (Cox 47). When Jack first arrives on the island, civility still subsists in him. This explains why Jack does not kill the pig. Later, however, he turns to savagery. He kills the pigs freely, with no conscience. Jack's lust for killing thrives rapidly and infects the others. Soon hunting for survival becomes killing for enjoyment. Piggy, the voice of reason, wants the tribe to act civilized. Unfortunately, they disregard his plea, and they kill him. Piggy's murder exemplifies the wrongful treatment society gives to good people. Along with evil, Christianity prevails throughout the novel. "Implicit in the
Finally, the conch symbolizes order and authority. "We can use this [conch] to call the others. Have a meeting. They'll come when they hear us" (Goldng, LOF 16). The conch symbolizes order and authority. When Ralph blows the conch, the wildlife in the scar awakens, and the sound echoes throughout the island. Then, the boys fill the platform. When Ralph lifts the conch, the boys become silent. At the meeting, the boys assent that only the person with the conch has the floor. However, the conch starts to lose its power when Jack rebels. Nevertheless, Roger shatters the conch when he kills Piggy. The destruction of the conch symbolizes the loss of order and civilization. retreats and meditates-a "church" (Golding, Readings 44). Only Simon sees the truth about the beast. Like all saints, he gets killed because the others cannot bear the truth. Simon's dead body gets washed out to sea. "The advancing waves are like moon-beam-bodied creatures, gently washing the body of Simon free from all stain" (Cox 52). This represents purification. Also, Ralph and Jack allude to "Cain and Abel" (Hynes 59). They both despise each other. Finally, the pig's head, "Lord of the Flies" alludes to the Devil. In addition to leadership concepts, Golding also exemplifies symbolism. The fire symbolizes hope. "We can help them to fi
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Approximate Word count = 906
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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