Characters
This character is elected chief at the beginning of the novel.
Who is Ralph?
This object represents order and democratic authority on the island.
What is the conch?
“The sea breathed again in a long, slow sigh.”
What is personification?
Golding suggests that without rules and structure, people may become this.
What is savage or violent?
Ralph’s decision to prioritize shelters while Jack focuses on hunting reveals this growing (thematic) conflict on the island.
What is civilization versus savagery?
This character uses logic and intelligence to support order and civilization.
Who is Piggy?
These symbolize logic, knowledge, and civilization.
What are Piggy’s glasses?
Golding uses the conch throughout the novel to represent civilization and authority.
What is symbolism?
The boys’ fear of the beast contributes to this major conflict on the island.
What is the breakdown of order or growing chaos?
When the hunters let the signal fire go out while chasing a pig, Golding reveals this about their priorities.
What is that violence and excitement are becoming more important than rescue?
This character recognizes that the beast may exist within the boys themselves.
Who is Simon?
The signal fire primarily represents this idea.
What is hope for rescue or connection to civilization?
Golding uses the violent storm during Simon’s death to reflect the chaos and brutality of the boys’ actions.
What is pathetic fallacy?
Simon’s death develops the idea that society often destroys this.
What is innocence, truth, or goodness?
Simon’s encounter with the Lord of the Flies reveals this truth about the beast.
What is the beast (or Evil) exists within humanity?
Golding uses this character’s growing cruelty to demonstrate how power without consequences corrupts morality.
Who is Roger?
The beast becomes symbolic of this larger truth about humanity.
What is humanity’s inner savagery or fear?
The naval officer rescues the boys while participating in a violent world war himself.
What is irony?
Golding suggests that fear can be used as this.
What is a tool for control or manipulation?
Roger’s destruction of the conch and murder of Piggy symbolize this turning point on the island.
What is the complete collapse of civilization and order?
This character’s internal conflict between leadership, fear, and responsibility helps develop Golding’s message about the fragility of civilization.
Who is Ralph?
The destruction of both the conch and Piggy symbolizes the complete collapse of this.
What is civilization, order, or rational thinking?
Golding uses the island and its events to represent larger ideas about human nature and society.
What is allegory?
Golding suggests that civilization is fragile because social order can quickly collapse when people abandon morality and self-control.
What theme about civilization does Lord of the Flies develop?
The naval officer’s shock at the boys’ behaviour contrasts with the reality that the adult world is engaged in war itself.
How does Golding use irony at the end of the novel?