Lord Of The Flies Essays (1111 words) - Fiction, Literature

Lord Of The Flies Symbolism in Lord of the Flies The story, Lord of the Flies, has many interesting symbols relating adult society to kids surviving on an island. Many of the characters and items in this novel such as Jack or the conch can be interpreted on a macroscopic scale but the most important being this; a microcosm of children on an island makes a great symbolic message about human nature, society and how grown-ups live and govern - and how they cannot. When you consider the time period this book was written, you can see where Golding got some of his inspiration. Europe was still recovering after WW2 and the author probably wanted to comment on the political turmoil during the 50s. The island is a microcosm of the world during this time, and its scar represents human destruction once the kids were dropped or reborn on the island. If we look at the book as a political statement we can already sense leaders and followers. Obviously, Ralph, described as a good-looking, relying on common sense typ e of regular fellow, is the likable, fair, and even admired, democratic leader. He has a few loyal advisors and following. Piggy, a smart chubby boy, represents the scientific community and logical thinking, with glasses that represent clarity, civilization and the power to get back. He is essentially Ralphs method of governing. Sam `n Eric, the twin labourers, stuck with Ralph until the end and did a lot of cooperative activities for Ralph. They were the hut builders, fire tenders and wood gatherers. The little ones also liked Ralph. They were the citizens and at times were happy but slowly grew discontent as paradise became hell. Throughout the story the little ones didnt do much but in the beginning they did vote Ralph in and basically brought him into power. Because the people elected Ralph, he therefore is a true democratic ruler. He passes the conch symbolizing order around, lets others talk, follows rules and does not intend to break them himself. Theres trouble enforcing the laws just like our democracies, today. However, we are still free-living citizens, much like the kids under Ralphs reign. Jack and Roger are the complete opposite. Jack represents the savagery and hate in all of us. Starting out as a choirboy, he slowly evolves into the hunting Chief of the opposition party. Methods used by Hitler were also used by Jack. Total control such as binding and strapping Wilfred and propaganda like using the beast to inspire fear and presenting himself as the only protection is used in his dictatorial rule. He overthrows Ralph with fun, and then proceeds to use muscle once he had friends like Roger. Roger is his right hand man but is even worse. He starts out throwing rocks, moves on to torturing pigs and in the end he intentionally kills Piggy. He was a terror while torturing with Sam n Eric and the executioner when he killed Piggy. He is what Jack uses to rule, much like Hitlers personal guard and is even more extreme and totalitarian than Jack. Jack an d Rogers rise to power mirror real life events. Ralph giving Jack control of the choir near the beginning of the book is reflective on many of the European dictators rise to power during WW2. Weak leaders of the Western world did not enforce the Treaty of Versailles nor did they resist the annexations done by Hitler before the war. Nobody opposed him till it was too late much like this novel. Ralph tried, and their own little war broke out when the fire was stolen and continued until Ralph was saved by chance when the navy came, similar to the United States shifting the balance near the end of the war. Simon is the primary religious and good figure because of his spiritual and prophetic ways. Never violent and pretty much alone is what hes like throughout the story. He says to Ralph, All the same. Youll get back all right. I think so, anyway. He hangs out in a tranquil spot in the book and plays with a lizard there in the movie, it was a gentle scene and he is