symbols symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colours used to represent abstract ideas
TRANSCRIPT
SymbolsSymbols are objects, characters, figures, or
colours used to represent abstract
ideas
Fire• The fire is a symbol of
the boys’ connection with civilization
• If the fire is maintained then this represents the boys’ longing to be rescued
• When the fire burns low it is a sign that the boys are accepting their life on the island and sinking into savagery
• The fire is almost like a measuring stick – it reflects the sense of order and civilisation on the island.
• Ironically it is fire which attracts the attention and brings about their rescue at the end of the novel
• However, it wasn’t the signal fire; it was the fire Jack started to hunt out Ralph – what should have brought about death actually brought rescue and life.
The Conch
• The conch is a powerful symbol of order and civilisation
• It is used to govern the meetings
• the boy holding the shell has the right to speak
• In some ways more than a symbol - it is the actual vessel of legitimacy and democratic power.
• As the civilized behaviour and order begin to disintegrate the conch loses its power
• When Ralph blows the conch in Jack’s camp at Castle Rock, stones are thrown at him
• When Piggy is killed the conch is shattered
Piggy’s glasses
Piggy is the most intelligent boy in the group and in some ways is like an adult
• His glasses represent the power of science and rational thought in society
• This is seen when they need them to light the fire – can’t survive without them.
• It’s the glasses Jack steals, not the conch• They have the power to make fire
The Lord of the Flies
• Beelzebub• It comes from an
Arabic word meaning fly-lord
• In the bible it is the name for the prince of demons
• Now recognised as a name for the devil
• The pig’s head holds rule over all the subject flies, just as …
• The beast , or evil within each of the boys, holds rule over their actions
• It is symbolic of the power of evil