Symbols in Lord of the Flies

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In Lord of the Flies, Golding uses different symbols to demonstrate the transition from society and order to chaos. Through the use of symbols such as the conch, fire, and beast, Golding reveals that humans when separated from society’s rules allow their natural capacity for evil to dominate their existence. The conch, a symbol of order and civilization, primarily holds the boys society together, but as they become savages, the evil within them emerges. The signal fire functions as an indicator of the boys’ connection to civilization, but when the fire rages out of control and is used for the purpose of destruction, the boys lose sight of civilization and accept their savage ways. The beast is initially an idea that frightens the boys, and later manifests inside the boys, and further develops the idea of evil inside humanity. Initially the conch shell is a symbol of democracy, civilization, and authority, but as the civilization of the boys erodes, they descend into savagery and the respect they have for the conch deteriorates. The conch shell creates a community from the boys as they gather for the first time. As Ralph, “lifted the conch” (36) and says, “we want to be rescued” (36), the boys applaud him and make Ralph an authority figure. These events illustrate the boys’ attraction to a civilized existence. Golding uses the conch as a symbol of democracy and order through the rules the boys establish. The rules are a form of law and order to rebuild civilization on the island, therefore the conch is used as a symbol of authority because in a structured civilization rules are respected and enforced by authority. Ralph uses the conch to call meetings and give everyone a fair chance to speak, thus further developing the conch as s symbol of order and democracy, “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking” (31). By adhering
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