Lord of the Flies is a fictional novel about a group of boys stranded on a tropical island in the Pacific. The story is set during World War II. The 'fall' in Lord of the Flies can be predicted by analyzing the symbolic meanings in the story.
             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.
             The symbolic meanings of Ralph, Piggy, and the Conch also help predict the 'fall'. For example, Ralph represents law, order, society, and moral integrity (Moniacl 3); his yellow hair represents the sun and enlightenment (Laplante 1). The yellow color of his hair could also represent goodness. Ralph is the good force in the story. In addition, Piggy and his glasses represent clear-sightedness, intelligence, and the status of the social order (Symbolism in Lord of the Flies 1). Piggy is also another one of the good forces in the story. In society, people who wore glasses were regarded as intelligent. Furthermore, "Ralph represents leadership, charisma, and reason. Piggy helps to express ...