SYMBOLS
This item had been instrumental during assemblies, but now represents the collapse of order and civilization on the island.
What is the conch shell?
The Lord of the Flies was initially meant to be an offering to the Beast, and is made up of these things.
What is a pig's decapitated head, a spear/stake, and flies swarming around the rotting flesh?
Besides a couple littluns, these are the only four characters left in the original group.
Who is Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric?
This is how you could describe Jack's reaction when he nominates himself as the new leader of the group in Chapter 8.
What is a hissy fit, a temper tantrum, "I'm taking my ball and going home!" etc.?
This theme was expressed in Chapter 8 when Jack abandoned the group to gradually form his own tribe of savages.
What is "Civilization vs. Savagery"?
This item was a source for sustenance, comfort, and illumination, but is now cracked and broken and probably a little blood-stained.
What are Piggy's glasses?
Simon discovers the parachutist/pilot corpse and realizes the boys thought it was this.
What is "The Beast"?
This character most often wears face paint, and eventually wears a crown of leaves and sits on a log throne.
Who is Chief Jack?
Simon discovers this at the top of the mountain, what the boys had mistaken for a "beast."
What is the parachutist/pilot/soldier?
This theme is expressed when Simon is told by the Lord of the Flies that he "is part of" all the boys, and cannot be escaped.
What is "Humanity is Inherently Evil"?
The signal fire began as a viable means of attracting ______________, but now it is very unlikely to catch the attention of _______________.
What is rescue, help, a passing ship or plane, etc.?
The Lord of the Flies made a prophecy about Simon, saying the boys would do this with him.
What is "Have some fun"?
This character had been the strongest source of stability and order on the island, but is now depressed, homesick, and mentally falling apart.
Who is Ralph?
This is what Jack offers Ralph and Piggy when they arrive at the feast.
What is roasted pig and/or an opportunity to join his tribe?
When Simon is recovering from his conversation with the Lord of the Flies, he struggles to tell the others the truth about the Beast, and this theme is represented.
What is "The Struggle for Civilization"?
This title character's name in Hebrew translates to "Beelzebub," another name for Satan or the Devil.
What is the "Lord of the Flies"?
Jack tells the tribe they had to kill Simon because the Beast did this.
What is disguised itself as Simon, or possessed/inhabited Simon's body?
Piggy offers these excuses for what they did to Simon.
What is it was an accident, Simon asked for it, it was dark and stormy, it was because of the dance, etc.?
This tragic event occurs during the frenzy of the dance after the feast.
What is Simon's murder?
These themes are supported during the feast when Jack and Ralph argue about joining Jack's tribe and not having any shelters built during the storm.
What is "The Struggle for Civilization," and "Civilization vs. Savagery"?
This aerial visitor to the island that the boys repeatedly mistake for "The Beast" is actually symbolic of how adults inflict cruelty and suffering on one another just like the kids do.
What is the parachutist/pilot/soldier?
The sight of this scares the boys at the end of Chapter 9, ending their frenzied feast/dance/murder party.
What is the parachutist/pilot being dragged by the wind?
The tide washes away the corpse of this kind, helpful, nature loving boy.
Who is Simon?
This is the name of the boy who Jack ties up and beats mercilessly for no apparent reason.
Who is Wilfred?
This theme is expressed most prominently when the boys, caught up in a frenzied mob mentality, mutilate and murder Simon during the rain dance.
What is "Humanity is Naturally Evil"?