Lord Of The Flies Specs Analysis

In William Golding’s book Lord of the Flies, Piggy’s specs symbolize the boys’ survival. These specs were used to create a fire, which is essential to preparing food and keeping warm. For example, in the second chapter when the boys were on the mountaintop, they needed a way to create a spark which would be used to feed a fire. When they were brainstorming, Jack suggested, “His specs-use them as burning glasses!” (Page 40) This shows that with Piggy’s specs, they could used the magnification as a heat source. This not only could be used for signaling someone, but used as a way to cook meat and other raw items. Another example was when Jack and the choir were too busy hunting to tend to the fire. When Ralph confronted Jack, he said, “Piggy’s

specs! If the fire is out then we’ll need them--”. (Page 67) This suggest that Piggy’s specs are their only way of getting fire. When it comes to being in the wilderness, if you don’t have fire then you are already dead. The fire is critical to them because it not only could signal someone, but it allows them to get the nutrients they need by eating other things besides nuts, such as meat. Without the specs, there’s no fire. Without the fire, there’s no smoke. If there’s no smoke, then the boys won’t be rescued. So, it is safe to say that the boys’ survival depends on the fire which is dependent on Piggy’s specs. Without Piggy or his specs, the boys could very easily die.

-Tyler Hamre