Symbols of civilization

Jake La Mar
Outline

I. Introduction
A. In Lord of the Flies, the author, William Golding, presents civilization vs. savagery as a main theme.
B. He used certain objects and people to symbolize the idea of civilization.
C. Thesis: In the story the three things that are left to symbolize civilization and authority are Piggy, the signal fire and the conch.
II. Piggy represented the civilized part of the boys and as a consequence of this was he acquired the reputation of an outsider. (LOF, 65)
A. “For the moment the boys were a closed circuit of sympathy and Piggy was on the outside:” (LOF, 21)
1. Golding hints early on that Piggy will become a permanent outsider.
2. Eventually the voice of reason is silenced.
B. He had short hair unlike the other boys.
1. Long hair was a symbol of savagery and rebellion.
2. This shows that he was not becoming a savage.
C. He had glasses (specs) that represented civilization.
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