Overview Flashcards
Title
Lord of the flies, written by William Golding and published in 1954, 9 years after WW2
Author
William Golding - British novelist who won a Nobel Prize. Known for exploring the theme of human nature
Island
A tropical island where the boys are stranded after a plane crash
Ralph
One of the protagonists and the elected leader of the boys. He represents freedom and order
Jack
The antagonist who leaves the boys. Goes off on his own to kill pigs for food and hunt the beast. He represents the falling of civilisation and savagery
Piggy
An intelligent, bespectacled boy who symbolizes reason and intellect
The beast
A symbol of the primal, instinctual nature within each boy, often leading to fear and chaos
The conch
Used as a symbol of authority; whoever holds the conch has the right to speak during meetings. It also represents democracy amongst the boys
The lord of the flies
A severed pig’s head on a stick, representing the evil and savagery within human nature
Fire
Initially a signal for rescue, the fire later becomes a destructive force, highlighting the loss of civilization
The island (symbolism)
The island itself serves as a microcosm of society, showcasing the battle between order and chaos
Civilisation vs savagery
Explores the thin line between civilized behavior and the descent into barbarism
Hunting
Jack’s obsession with hunting and the accompanying rituals symbolize the boys’ loss of civilization.
Rescue attempts
Despite their efforts, the boys struggle to create a successful signal for rescue, highlighting their descent into chaos
The ending
The tragic conclusion reveals the consequences of unchecked human nature, leaving a lasting impact on the reader
