The Lord Of The Flies Symbolism Analysis

In his novel, The Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses symbolism to illustrate the theme that darkness of the heart is a trait within all of us- some people fight against it while others allow it to take over.
Golding uses the signal fire as symbolism in order to highlight the ways some people fight against darkness and others allow it to control them. The signal fire illustrates the theme by showing the boys eager effort to build the fire, in hope of humanity. When thinking of ways to potentially be rescued, Ralph states, “We can help them to find us...we must make smoke on top of the mountain. We must make a fire” (Golding 38). The boys are anxious to keep the fire going because to them rescue is right around the corner. They use this

hope of going back to society as motivation to fight against the uncivilized temptations that lie within the island. In order to fight against something, it is common for people to set a purpose, just as the boys set rescue as their purpose for staying civilized. Golding also utilizes the signal fire to show the way in which Ralph, unlike jack and the hunters, continually focuses on the signal fire, anticipating that they will be saved. Ralph spoke in anger and disappointment, saying, “You let the fire go out” (Golding 69). Jack replied to this statement with, “We can light the fire again...” (Golding 69). While Ralph was filled with resentment over losing their one chance at being rescued, Jack was not affected at all. This shows the way in which Ralph is fighting against darkness and Jack is careless, showing his inhumanity. When hopes seem far away, people often give up, just as Jack gives up, letting darkness overpower. The symbolism of the signal fire shows how quickly one can fall into darkness if they do not fight against it.
Furthermore, Golding uses the war paint in order to emphasize the darkness of the heart and how some people fight against it while others let it overpower.

The war paint teaches readers the theme when Jack and his hunters use the paint to mask themselves behind it, giving them a new identity. While attempting to explain the purpose of the war paint, Jack states, “For hunting. Like in war. You know-dazzle paint. Like things trying to look like something else-...” (Golding 63). The hunters use the war paint to remove themselves from civilization, concealing their humanity. When they hide behind masks, they are letting the darkness amongst the island take control of them. In today’s world, people try to hide behind things in order to have a new identity, for example: social media, just as Jack and the Hunters hide behind the paint, in attempt to justify their inhumanity. We also see the war paint used to show darkness and its power when Ralph is considering giving in to the tempting darkness and putting on the paint. While they all enjoyed their meat and the hunters began cheering, “Ralph watched them, envious and resentful” (Golding 75). Darkness of the heart is portrayed as a powerful force, persuading all of the boys to become uncivilized animals, removed from society. Even though Ralph was still slightly angry because the fire was not lit, watching the hunters enjoying their meat and having fun tempted Ralph into giving up his civilized manor and becoming one of them.

Human beings live in a world full of temptations and have to control themselves from falling into them, just as Ralph had to stop himself from becoming one of the inhumane hunters. The war paint shows readers the darkness of the heart, and its ability to take over people.
Golding's symbolism illustrate the darkness that lies within us and its ability to take over if people do not fight against it.