Use of Symbols in Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Symbols and characters play major roles in representing power in works of literature. Therefore, an author uses these ‘symbols of power’ to control the characters and the overall course of the work. In Lord of the Flies symbols are both used by the characters and stand on their own. Fire on the island is a dual blade and Lord of the Flies impedes on progression. While these two symbols stand on their own, the characters use and are used by them. Ralph leads the boys to advancement while Jack stands as his opposition, both using other symbols of power to assist them.

This paper will be broken into nine paragraphs including the opening and concluding paragraph. My opening paragraph will consist of a thesis sentence that sets the stage for seven body paragraphs. The first body paragraph will focus on how symbolism progresses a story whether the power it holds is for good or evil. The second body paragraph will be about the signal fire overpowers the boys on the island. The third body paragraph will focus on how the fire brought the boys hope. The fourth body paragraph will then focus on how the Lord of the Flies empowers insanity and obstructs the progress of the island. The fifth body paragraph will focus on Ralph’s ability to progress forward. The sixth body paragraph will counter that and focus on his fallibility to maintain order. The seventh body paragraph will include Jack’s constant need to oppose or be in-charge himself. Finally the conclusion will bring everything together, focusing on how symbols directed the course of the book, mainly the signal fire. I will also discuss the importance of the symbols that appeared throughout the novel and how it would have been drastically different, again mainly the signal fire.

In m...

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...e been avoided. However, they are in this story and the shape it through the horrendous acts of violence and loss of mind. In all, these symbols leave Lord of the Flies as a well written story with the atrocities of man on every page.

Works Cited

‘“-him with the mark on his face, I don’t see him. Where is he now”’ (Golding 46).

‘“The sticks fell and the mouth of the new circle crunched and screamed. The beast was on its knees in the center, its arms folded over its face. It was crying out against the abominable noise, something about a body on the hill. The beast struggled forward, broke the ring and fell over the steep edge of the rock to the sand by the water. At once the crowed surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore.”’ (Golding 152-153)

He gesticulated widely again, “It was an accident”’(Golding 157).