Lord of the Flies Theme essay
Lord of the Flies Cruelty and savagery are all parts of human life. When the reigns of civilization are lifted, cruelty and savagery are left alone to roam freely. William Golding expresses the need for civilized order to maintain the cruel savage beast in us all. In Golding's Lord of the Flies, the theme of discovering one's true self is displayed through object symbolism, analytical symbols of the cruel tribe and beast, and analysis of key character symbols. The use of object symbolism develops the structure and meaning of the novel. The symbolic meaning of certain items in the novel provide a degree of certainty of what the theme pertains to. An example of object symbolism is noted in the large conch shell. The shell symbolizes order and civilization due to its power to create order through organizing meetings. The conch also symbolizes destruction of order once Roger crushes it beneath a boulder. The act of destroying the shell provides an illustration of how uncivilized the island has become. Another example of object symbolism is depicted in the signal fires that Ralph sternly suggests should exist. These fires symbolize a hope for rescue and a return to order and civilization. Once Jack, who is in charge of the fire, shuns
Simon discovers the beast to be a dead parachuter. Jack destroys knowledge and insight and in the process takes on the persona of the beast. Roger pretends to be a pig while the others attack almost killing him due to their being overcome by frenzied blood lust. The establishment of Jack's tribe and the systematic accounts of the beast provide further evidence of a theme of the introduction to one's true self. The tribe forms in the face of fear, but the real beast in the novel is Jack and his tribe. Another character that provides insight into the theme is Simon. The spectacles symbolize comfort and dependability due to their fire creating capabilities. Simon's confidence keeps Ralph's hope alive and delivers a rebirth of civility. Another example of Jack's control by fear is depicted in his denouncing Ralph's leadership and demanding he be the leader to fight the beast. The symbolic pig's head is Jack's beastlike nature while the flies around it are his followers who swarm about his appealing actions. Another example of Simon's insight is noted in his knowledge of the identity of the beast. Due to Piggy's knowledgeable account of the others, the reader may expect the other boys to foolishly follow Jack. The cruelty that humans are capable of is seen in everyday life. The tribe symbolizes total disarray and cruelty, which is exhibited in their treatment of fellow man. Once Piggy suggests reigniting the fire it then symbolizes a restoration of hope.
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