Characterization
This character is introduced as a natural leader with a strong sense of responsibility for the group.
Who is Ralph?
This object, blown by Ralph and discovered by Piggy, symbolizes authority and order among the boys.
This power struggle between two characters represents the clash between order and chaos on the island.
Who are Ralph and Jack?
Ralph’s commitment to this priority puts him in conflict with Jack, who would rather focus on hunting.
What is the signal fire?
The boys’ recklessness with the signal fire leads to the presumed death of this character, symbolizing the dangers of undisciplined behavior.
Who is the boy with the mulberry-colored birthmark?
Known for his physical weakness and thick glasses, he often provides rational ideas and acts as Ralph's advisor.
Who is Piggy?
This "scar" on the island symbolizes the destructive impact of humans on nature.
What is the plane's crash site?
This object, which allows each boy to speak in turn, represents order and democracy but loses its power as the boys descend into chaos.
What is the conch shell?
This character frequently mocks Piggy, revealing a disdain for his intellect and fueling tension between brute force and reason.
Who is Jack?
The signal fire is built here to make it visible to passing ships.
What is the mountain?
This character is increasingly obsessed with hunting pigs, leading to tension between him and Ralph.
Who is Jack
This object is a symbol of both hope and destruction.
Initially cared for by the older boys, these young children become ignored and even bullied as civilization breaks down.
Who are the littluns?
This incident with the out-of-control fire endangers the island and highlights the tension between the boys’ recklessness and Ralph’s attempts to impose order.
What is the fire?
When this item is broken, it symbolizes the loss of logic, reason, and control among the boys.
What are Piggy's Glasses?
This character, usually quiet, shows kindness, helps Ralph build huts, and goes into the forest alone.
Who is Simon?
The makeshift shelters Ralph insists on building symbolize the boys’ attempts to hold onto this concept.
What is Civilization?
By applying this to his face, Jack becomes "liberated from shame and self-consciousness," allowing him to act more savagely.
What is face paint?
Fear of this creature grows among the littluns, causing division as some boys begin to believe it may actually exist.
What is the beastie?
The boys’ obsession with hunting and violence over keeping the signal fire reflects the theme of the struggle between these two concepts.
What is Civilization vs Savagery?
This character’s fear of the “beastie” introduces the first hint of fear among the boys.
Who is the boy with the mulberry birthmark?
When Jack paints his face, it symbolizes his transformation and descent into this concept.
What is savagery?
Ralph’s anger when he sees that the signal fire was abandoned reflects his commitment to this goal.
What is rescue/civilization?
This leadership struggle begins when Ralph is elected leader, despite this other boy’s desire to be in charge.
Who is Jack?
This relationship starts to break down as one boy becomes increasingly drawn to hunting, threatening the unity of the group.
Who are Ralph and Jack?