2. Piggy = Reason/Voice of Reason Ralph = Rational Leadership Conch Shell = Law + Order Simon = Rationality Jack = Anarchy + inner human soul Symbols
3. Corruption of Innocence The existence of civilization allows man to remain innocent or ignorant about his true nature. Although man needs civilization, it is important that he also be aware of his more primitive instincts. Only in this way can he reach true maturity. Golding (the author) implies that the loss of innocence has little to do with age, but is related to a person’s understanding of human nature. It can happen at any age or not at all. Painful though it may be, this loss of innocence by coming to terms with reality is necessary if humanity is to survive. Themes
4. The Indifference of Nature Throughout most literature, the natural world is portrayed as “Mother Nature,” the protector of man. The Lord of the Flies is different – in the novel, nature is shown to be indifferent to human existence. When nature creates a situation which helps or hinders mankind, it is a random happening. Man may be aware of nature, but nature is unconscious and unaware of mankind. Themes cont…
5. Blindness and Sight Being blind and having special sight are interwoven themes. One who is blind to his immediate surroundings usually has a special understanding of things which others cannot fathom. This person sees more, but he is not seen or recognized by those around him. Such a person is often made a fool and ridiculed by others. Themes cont…
6. Man’s Need for Civilization The most obvious of the themes Contrary to the belief that innocent and society evil, the story shows that laws and rules, policemen and schools are necessary to keep the darker side of human nature in line. When these institutions and concepts slip away or are ignored, human beings revert to a more primitive part of their nature. Themes cont…
7. The Sea = The only unchanged element; erases painful and bad experiences. The Fire = Hope of Rescue; Security The Glasses = Power of Intelligence The Rock = Coldness and Brutality More Symbols
8. The pig hunt = Mass hysteria; dark impulses; transformation of human beings into beasts; infectious brutality. The beast = Personal fear of mankind; fear of human beings against each other. The pilot = Evil forces in human shape. Lord of the Flies = evil; brutality; advocate of “fun” in life; humanity’s darker impulses More Symbols
