What Does The Pig's Head Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies

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Stranded on the island, the boys in William Golding's Lord of the Flies are exposed to unique elements that symbolize the author’s demonstration that humans, when taken away from society's values, allow themselves to be caught between the evils of the world. One of the most significant representation of evil comes from the title itself. The description of the pig’s head is ever so frightening. The meaning of this word unveils over the course of the novel, showing a sense of gore when given names like “dim-eyed, grinning faintly, blood blackening between the teeth”(Golding 137). Even though the pig’s head can’t do much itself; Golding incorporates the imagery to show savagery among the boys, mainly when Simon comes into contact with the Lord …show more content…

This is seen through Piggy's glasses. He represents civilization by being circumspect of the rules, which causes the boys to recant from each other very quickly. After a couple of days, Piggy’s broken glasses prohibit him from seeing, causing the other boys to look the other way when it comes to doing what’s right. In a meeting, the boys make a decision that they "can't have everybody talking at once" and that they "have to have ‘Hands up' like at school" (Golding 33). Therefore, this shows that their innocence has not been lost yet. However, in a blink of an eye, the hunters start to consider slaughtering a pig to be far more beneficial than being rescued. After a successful hunt, they return chanting "Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood’" (Golding 69). Although Ralph and Piggy attempt to elucidate that having a signal fire burning is more important than having meat for their meals, they fail to explain themselves properly as the hunters return to savagery once again. Meanwhile, as Jack and his tribe ambush Ralph and his men, Piggy’s specs are stolen. That leaves him blind and even then Jack returns to Castle Rock, "trotting steadily, exulting in his achievement," relinquishing upon a civilized life (Golding

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