Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

The symbolic meanings of the island help predict the 'fall'. For example, “The island itself is boat-shaped, and the children typify all mankind in the their journey though life” (Cox 141). The island represents the world as a whole. The boys are playing out what is happening in the real world. In addition, the water seems to be flowing backwards around the island, giving the impression that civilization may be going backwards for the inhabitants (Symbolism in Lord of the Flies 1). This could indicate that their civilization will decline like civilizations decline in the real world. This could also mean that mankind as a whole is going backwards because of the war. Furthermore, the scar caused by the plane crash represents man’s destruction, and destructive forces (Symbolism in Lord of the Flies 1). When the plane crashed, it was a result of man’s destruction. The plane was shot down as a result of the war. The physical features of the island set the scene for what is to come.

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The head represents decay because the boys acted like savages on the hunt in which it was killed.

The spiritual fall in the story is suggested throughout by the use of words of downward motion. The officer and his crew were doing the same thing jack and his tribe was doing. It shows that the boys have given up society. Ralph works hard to keep the fire form going out. He discovers it is really only a part of themselves. These are hints that the boys were doomed form the beginning. Jack could also symbolize the devil. These are also signs of evil in the story, causing the boys to go to Jack's side.

The beast and the paratrooper are the symbols of evil. This is regarded as one of the most symbolic episodes in the book" (Matuz 168).

The final hunt represents the 'fall'. Ralph was the one who tried to keep order.

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Approximate Word count = 1997
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

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