Lord of the Flies - Research Paper Example

The entire novel is portrayed symbolic in nature excluding the save in the last part where adult life become visible, distinguished and able, however in actuality ensnared in the similar evil as the symbolic life of the boys on the unknown island. Through the use of various symbols like, the image of pig’s head, conch, fire, Piggy’s spectacle, pig hunting, painted face and the plane collide promote allegoric features. Successive use of different symbols shows that how inner evil of the human being is revealed.

The symbolic nature of William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies facilitates its major theme as well its allegoric characteristics. Lord of the Flies encloses many symbols used by the author to develop and support the main theme. Symbols in this novel play a vital role and it strengthens the allegorical features of the novel. Eminent figures in literature made significant studies about the role of symbolism in Golding’s novel and those studies prove that Golding’s novel explores excellent use of symbols.

Santwana Haldar rightly comments that; “The symbolic content of Lord of the Flies adds depth and meaning of the novel; otherwise it would be a mere story of adventure based on crude psychological process” (Haldar 138). . The story is developed through various events that occurred in the life of some boys who came from civilized land. The name of the novel and the objects that provides is the most significant symbol. The image of pig’s head, the slaughtered animal’s head is highly graphic and frightening.

Consequently, reader becomes aware of the evil, darkness and fear depicted in the Lord of the Flies. The conch is portrayed as another powerful symbol that reveals the presence of civilized authority, and democratic principles. The online article entitled Lord of the Flies Symbolism, Imagery & Allegory remarks; “They boys have imposed this “rule of the conch” on themselves, and thus the conch represents society’s rules, politics, and speech” (Shmoop University). Golding’s novel Reader can come across that the entire novel explores the savagery of human being which underlying each and every human.

Eyeglasses of Piggy and Piggy himself make known the insight, wisdom and knowledge. Piggy become identified with a haunted pig, and consequently will be killed too. Here, the habit of pig hunting changes to man hunting. When Piggy dies, the failure or breakdown of society on the island is happened. Piggy’s death is a powerful symbol which discloses boy’s transformation from civilization to savagery. After his death, his companions identify his arms and legs wrenched like a pig’s after it has been killed (Bloom 13).

The long hair of the boys and their symbolic mask with clay paint also symbolizes the dreadful transformation from a structured and well educated life to utter savagery. Modern man’s unknown fear about his material existence is revealed through the symbol of beast. Golding underlines the idea that never ending struggle is the curse of modern