Symbols Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colours used to represent abstract ideas.

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