Symbolism

In Lord of the Flies symbolism plays a major role. I will give you the symbols and what they can represent (if you think deep enough).

OBJECTSYMBOLIC MEANING
ConchAuthority, order
GlassesAbility to see clearly, to perceive what is best
FireCivilization, the hearth, hope, community celebration
Lord of the FliesPig's head on a stick, symbol of the evil in the boys (and in humanity)
MaskFacade, means of hiding self from self
BeastThe Devil, decay, destruction
IslandA microcosm of the world
DarknessIgnorance, fear, superstition
MountainPerspective, power, truth, barrier
ForestFear, violence, unknown, hiding
BeachSafety, openness, games, communication
Castle RockPunishment, violence, restraint
Jack's hairCaused Jack's loss of focus
FliesCorruption

Some of the symbols also follow the events throughout the story. A good example of this is the conch. In the beginning of the book it is pink and is quite powerful. But as the story goes the conch becomes lighter and almost transparent ==> the power is diminishing. At the end the conch gets crushed which means that it lost power.

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