Themes
This theme in Lord of the Flies suggests that without societal rules, humans will revert to this.
What is savagery?
This is used to symbolize democracy in the novel.
What is the conch?
Through this action, the boys elect Ralph as leader.
What is a vote?
This character's descent into madness reflects the darker side of human nature, representing the loss of innocence.
Who is Jack?
“He took a step, and able at last to hit someone, struck his fist into Piggy’s stomach. Piggy sat down with a grunt.”
Jack punches Piggy in the stomach, after which his glasses fly off and one lens breaks.
This location, where the boys retreat to, represents a place where they lose all remnants of their former society.
What is the jungle / forest / island?
This item symbolizes the connection to civilization, intelligence and order.
What are Piggy’s glasses?
The first task the boys attempt to organize is this, which is meant for rescue.
What is building a signal fire?
This character represents the voice of reason and intelligence among the boys.
Who is Piggy?
“Run away, said the head silently, go back to the others. It was a joke really– why should you bother? You were just wrong, that’s all. A little headache, something you ate, perhaps.”
Simon is severely dehydrated and looking out of his secret place, he sees the Lord of the Flies talking to him, telling him to leave it be and go back to the others.
This event marks the tragic loss of innocence among the boys.
What is Simon’s death?
This represents holding onto hope and civilization.
What is the signal fire?
The split between Ralph’s group and Jack’s group escalates when Jack steals this, which is vital to Ralph’s leadership.
What is the conch?
This character represents the clash between civilized society and the savage instincts within humans.
Who is Ralph?
“Simon was speaking almost in his ear. Ralph found that he had a rock painfully gripped in both hands, found his body arched, the muscles of his neck stiff, his mouth strained open.”
Ralph is struggling internally and is losing all hope. Simon gets the hint and reassures Ralph that everything will be alright.
Jack uses this to assert power and authority.
What is fear / strength?
This mythical creature symbolizes the fear that consumes the boys as they descend into madness.
What is The Beast?
The death of this character is a direct result of the conflict between Ralph and Jack, and it represents the final breakdown of civility.
Who is Piggy?
This character is the first to confront the truth about the "Beast".
Who is Simon?
“Robert snarled at him. Ralph entered into the play and everybody laughed”
The boys are playing a game (pretend to hunt) and go too far. They end up actually hurting Robert.
Ralph’s initial leadership is challenged by this emotion that gradually takes over the boys.
What is fear?
The arrival of this character symbolizes the complete loss of childhood innocence and the collapse of societal norms.
What is the Lord of the Flies?
The boys arrive on the island after this event, which is not explained in detail but heavily implied to be a catastrophe.
What is a nuclear war?
This character is the most malicious of them all.
Who is Roger?
But the island was scorched up like dead wood– Simon was dead– and Jack had… The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island; great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body.”
Upon the arrival and sense of security of the naval officer, Ralph grieves and cries for Simon and Piggy for the first time.