Themes
Civilization vs. Savagery
Ralph, the protagonist, is going against Jack, the antagonist. Both boys are symbols in the novel. Ralph is the symbol of order, leadership, and civilization. Jack is a symbol of savagery and desire for power.
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Individualism vs. Community
The main cause of the problems in the novel is the other boys lack of commitment in working together as a community to achieve goals.
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The Nature of Evil
We all have the potential to commit sin as all humans are born evil.
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Man vs. Nature
"Thrust into the completely natural environment of the island, in which no humans exist or have existed, the boys express different attitudes towards nature that reflect their distinct personalities and ideological leanings."
-GradeSaver |
The Loss of Innocence
The boys slowly lose their innocence as they transform into savages.
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Dehumanization of Relationships
"In Lord of the Flies, one of the effects of the boys' descent into savagery is their increasing inability to recognize each other's humanity."
-GradeSaver |
The Negative Consequences of War
Allegory of the Cold War which occurring at the time the novel was published.
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Symbols
The Conch Shell
Symbol of civilization and order.
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Piggy’s Glasses
Symbol of knowledge and the society in which the boys were raised in.
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The Signal Fire
Symbol of the boys' connection to civilization.
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The Beast
Symbol of the savagery that exists in everyone.
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The Lord of the Flies
Symbol of Evil and a manifestation of the beast.
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Ralph
Symbol of order, leadership, and civilization.
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Piggy
Symbol of intelligence and logic.
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Roger
Symbol of brutality and blood-lust.
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Jack
Symbol of savagery and desire for power.
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Simon
Symbol of natural human goodness.
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Motifs
Natural Beauty
The main setting of the novel, which is a tropical island. Also, Simon's special nature place.
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Biblical Parallels
Simon acts as Jesus. He is one of the kindest boys on the island, has a bond with nature, and died an unnatural death at the hands of savages.
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Outward trappings of savagery
The boys change from civilized British school-boys to savages by the use of face paint, totems, and chants.
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