Symbols in LOTF Flashcards
What does the Conch Symbolise?
Civilisation, order, rules, keeping savagery at bay. When they use the conch, like at the start, they are less savage
Quotes regarding the Conch :
“Ever so valuable”
“Hands up, like at school, give him the conch”
“He held the shell up instead and showed it to them and they understood”
“We don’t need the conch anymore”
“The conch forgotten”
“Conch exploded into a thousand white fragments”
What do Piggy’s Glasses symbolise?
Symbolic of intelligence and a link to civilisation where the boys can create fire with it
Quotes regarding Piggy’s glasses :
“His specs - Use them as burning glasses”
Intelligence will be used for violence
“Jack smacked piggy’s head” “Piggy’s glasses flew off and tinkled on the rocks”
Partially broken lenses symbolise the diminishment of intellectual thought on the island as things begin to fall apart
“From his left hand dangled Piggy’s broken glasses”
Glasses fully broken, so Jack has fully gained power over the island. Glasses are weak savagery has overpowered logic, intelligence and civilisation
“Piggy took off his damaged glasses and cleaned the remaining lens”
Cleansing symbolises the fact that some boys are trying to repair the damaged society, however the damage implies that rational thought is losing its power
What does the fire symbolise?
The fire is a connection to civilisation, and is a beacon of hope for the boy’s rescue, however also a symbol of destruction as the boys let it run out of control
Quotes regarding the Fire :
“The fire is the most important thing on the island”
“At the sight of the flames and the irresistible course of the fire, the boys broke into shrill, excited cheering”
“The knowledge and awe made them savage”
“The tree exploded in the fire like a bomb”
