Symbols

Fire  Fire brings destruction and is the symbol for chaos and war  In LOTF, fire is used as a symbol of hope and civilization  As the signal fire burns strong, it shows the boys commitment to getting rescued and their attempt to get back to society  When the fire burns low, or blows out, it shows the boys acceptance to their ‘savage’ lives on the island  Fire is also how the first boy dies (rash action by the boys)

The Conch  Conch is found at the very beginning of the book  Used to call boys together  Only person who holds it can speak  Becomes a symbol of order and civilization  In the beginning it shows democratic ideals but slowly as the boys lose order the conch looses its power and influence

Piggy’s Glasses  Piggy is the smartest and most logical boy in the group and because of that his glasses are a symbol of intelligence and science  Used to light the fire (becomes a necessity for warmth and rescue)

Shelters  Survival  Having a home  Litt’uns are scared of the beastie (sense of protection)  Ralph wants to make shelters to protect them  No one wants to make them (want to have fun)  Ralph and Simon are the only two that work on the shelters until the end

Hunting (Pigs)  Food  Jack believes it is the most important thing  Killing the pigs on the Island and the pig-runs foreshadow the deaths of characters  The more hunting that occurs the more ‘savage’ the boys become