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The best study guide to Lord of the Flies on the planet, from the creators of SparkNotes. Get the summaries, analysis, and quotes you need.
- Plot Summary Plot
Simon comes upon the head, and sees that it's the Lord of...
- Summary & Analysis
Need help with Chapter 1 in William Golding's Lord of the...
- Themes
William Golding once said that in writing Lord of the Flies...
- Quotes
Find the quotes you need in William Golding's Lord of the...
- Characters
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- Symbols
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- Simon
A dreamy, dark haired boy, prone to fainting spells and...
- Fire
Fire is a complicated symbol in Lord of the Flies. Like the...
- Plot Summary Plot
- Lord of The Flies Themes
- Analysis of Key Moments in Lord of The Flies
- Style, Literary Devices, and Tone in Lord of The Flies
- Symbols in Lord of The Flies
The impact of humankind on nature
This is evident from the first chapter when the plane crashing leaves what Golding describes as a “scar” across the island. This idea is explored further in the early chapters the boys light a fire that escapes their control and yet further diminishes what might be considered an unspoiled island. Some interpret the island almost as a Garden of Eden with the children giving in to temptation by slaughtering the animals there. The final chapter furthers the destruction of nature by mankind as th...
Civilization versus savagery
This can be seen throughout as the boys struggle with being removed from organized society. To begin with, they cope well. They construct a form of government represented by the conch that theoretically draws them together and gives them all a voice. As they break away from society this adherence to the rules they have constructed is evident. Golding’s ideas of what savagery is might be outdated and rooted in colonial stereotypes but they are evident for all to see as the boys use masks to de...
Nature of humanity
Perhaps the biggest underlying theme is the idea of the true nature of mankind. Golding explores the idea that mankind is innately evil and that it is only the contrast between society and civilization that prevents that nature from being prevalent. Of course, this overlooks that civilization is a human construct and if all men’s biggest motivation were their inner evil, then that construct would never have existed. Golding’s views largely spring from his role in the navy where he was witness...
There are many key moments in ‘Lord of the Flies‘ that highlight the boy’s descent into savagery. 1. Blowing the conch– this introduces us to the conch which acts as a symbol of society and civilization throughout the novel. It is both the device that brings the children together and in theory the object which allows them all to have a say and ther...
Throughout this novel, Golding’s style is straightforward and easy to read. There are no lengthy passages nor does he choose particularly poetic words to describe the events. His writing is powerful without these stylistic devices. The same can be said for his use of literary devices. When used, they are direct. For example, the use of symbolism (s...
The Conch Shell
The conch shell is one of the major symbols of this novel. It’s used from the beginning of the novel to call the boys together for meetings on the beach. It’s a symbol of civilization and government. But, as the boys lose touch with their civilized sides, the conch shell is discarded.
The Signal Fire
The signal fire is a very important symbol in the novel. It’s first lit on the mountain and then later on the beach with the intent of attracting the attention of passion ships. The fire is maintained diligently at first but as the book progresses and the boys slip farther from civilization, their concentration on the fire wanes. They eventually lose their desire to be rescued. Therefore, as one is making their way through the book, gauging the boys’ concentration on the fire is a great way t...
The Beast
The beast is an imaginary creature who frightens the boys. It stands in for their savage instincts and is eventually revealed to be a personification of their dark impulses. It’s only through the boy’s behaviour that the beast exists at all.
When a ship passes by on the horizon one day, Ralph and Piggy notice, to their horror, that the signal fire—which had been the hunters’ responsibility to maintain—has burned out.
- William Golding
- 1954
May 11, 2021 · Jack and his hunters run off with Piggy’s glasses. Jack and Ralph fight, and Piggy is killed with a rock. Jack and the others hunt Ralph, who flees, only to be rescued by a British sailor who was on board a ship that spotted the fire raging on the island and came ashore.
Lord of the Flies explores the dangers of mob mentality in terrifying scenes of violence and torture. Early on, the boys sing “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood,” after a successful hunt, elevating their shared act of violence into a celebratory chant.
Lord of the Flies is an adventure novel with a dystopian and allegorical twist that follows a group of stranded boys on an island. Taking its cues from the likes of 'Coral Island,' the book details the actions of a group of boys stranded on an island with no adults and without the constraints ...
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The boys set a fire to flush Ralph out of the jungle, which signals a passing ship. The ship’s officer comes on shore, reintroducing civilization, and the boys realize the horrors they have endured and perpetuated.
