The Lord of the Flies occurs on an island, and yet many of it's features represent
parts of society. What features are they, what do they represent and how
Although William Golding's, 'the Lord of the Flies', occurs on an island, many of it's
features clearly represent a microcosm of the society we live in today. Most of these
features are conveyed successfully, yet some are not. This essay will explore the
ways in which William Golding has represented modern western society throughout
the text. Features to be analysed are; Ralph who portrays democracy and logic,
Piggy who represents rationality and intellectualism, a "Christ-like figure"
illustrated by Simon, Jack who signifies savagery and anarchy, the conch which
delivers law and order and the beast which mirrors the evil, sins and darkness of
On the island, democracy and logic is represented by Ralph. Golding describes him
as tall, blonde, attractive and is 'built like a boxer', as is stated in the novel. Ralph is
calm and rational with sound judgement and a strong moral sensibility. His
handsome features and the conch as a symbol of power and order, make him stand
out from the other boys and led to his being proclaimed Chief: "There was a stillness
about Ralph as he sat that marked him out; there was his size and attractive
appearance; and most obscurely, yet most powerfully, there was the conch." This
proves that he was respected for being familiar as the role of an adult. The second
part of this quote refers to the conch, and how Ralph, unknowingly uses this to gain
power and respect from the other boys. Ralph immediately sets rules in which he
feels his society can properly function, showing that he is well organised and is
trying to establish order. "I'll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can
hold it when he's speaking. And won't be interrupted,...