Political Allegory In William Golding's Lord of the Flies
             "... Lord of the Flies is an allegory on human society today, the novel's primary
             implication being that what we have come to call civilization is, at best, no more than
             skin-deep" (Stern, 169). Though the need for civilization is focused on in this novel, the
             significance of political order, shown allegorically, is consistently referenced to.
             "Allegory is a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a
             narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The
             underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance" ("Allegory",
             2002). When utilizing political allegory, the characters are used as symbols that, overall,
             represent some kind of political organization. In Lord of the Flies, the persons, or
             characters allegorized include Ralph, Jack, Piggy, Roger, the biguns, and the littluns;
             each considered an important component of their political establishments.
             For most every society, there is a system of government usually comprised of a
             certain conduct or manner. In Lord of the Flies, two political parties were established,
             causing conflict among the children. Ralph and Jack served as leaders for separate
             parties. "Ralph is democratic man, the symbol of consent. "There was a mildness about
             his mouth and eyes that proclaimed no devil" (Spitz, 191). Ralph's rational disposition
             became evident after dividing authority with Jack. "Ralph looked at him [Jack], eager to
             offer something. "The choir belongs to you, of course" (Golding, 23). Ralph could be
             considered a reasonable and responsible leader; therefore, portraying a democratic
             setting. "Jack then, is authoritarian man. Like Hitler and Mussolini; himself a Satanic
             figure with his red hair and black cape, he was also the leader of a black-capped and
             ...