Lord Of The Flies Essay

Elements in society can test the integrity of the individuals that live in it. In William

Goldin’s, The Lord of the Flies this is shown through a few key symbols. In the beginning of

the novel the conch represents authority, but as chaos starts to take over the authority is

destroyed. The signal fire shows the loss of hope and a decent to corruption. In the beginning it

is used as a means of rescue, but after Piggy’s glasses are stolen, Jack lights the forest on fire

trying to kill Ralph. Ralph represents leadership. As the kids turn to Jack, Ralph looses power

over the children, and anarchy rules the island.

The rules of the conch give hope for a civilized way of life on the island, but hope is lost as

the children loose interest for the rules. Jack speeks without permission but Ralph quickly

interupts, “Jack! Piggy has the conch which means he is allowed to speak.” Ralph,

being a fair chief, upholds the rule of t...