Symbolism in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies

Symbolism is a literary device used by authors to give deeper levels of meaning to objects and better demonstrate the theme. Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, is a popular novel considered to be a “classic” by many. Golding’s literary work is contains many examples of symbolism to help readers better understand the novel’s themes. Three such cases are the conch shell, the fire, and the sow’s head that was put on a stake. Through closer study of the novel, it is evident that each of these objects possess a deeper meaning leading to the overall theme of the downfall of humanity.

The conch shell is the first to be introduced in the novel when Ralph spots it and picks it up. Immediately it becomes the symbol of stable civilization and order on the island. “‘…We can’t have everybody talking at once. We’ll have to have ‘Hands up’ like at school.’” (Golding 31). Ralph links the conch to rules and school, something that, as British school boys, they are familiar with. Even Jack originally demonstrates respect for the idea of rules. “He laid the conch with great care in the grass at his feet.” (Golding 140). Even though he has just embarrassed himself profusely, he places the conch down in the grass carefully rather than doing anything that may damage it.[Longer explanation] The conch also symbolizes the boys’ relationship with each other. When it is first found at the beginning of the novel it is pink. Later on, it begins to fade from pink to white. “The group of boys looked at the white shell with affectionate respect.” (Golding 155-156). This quote is referring to Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric. At this point in the novel the boys are clearly divided, with Jack and his “savages” on one side, and Ralph’s small gro...

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... “sacrifice”, but at this point he recognizes it for what it is. Another significant fact is that the pig was a sow, making it the only female presence on the island mentioned, other than Piggy’s aunt. A fairly gentle creature, likely a mother, is turned into a symbol of evil and savagery. “Roger found a lodgment for his point and began to push until he was leaning with his whole weight…Roger began to withdraw his spear and the boys noticed it for the first time…‘Right up her ass!’”(Golding ). Without any influence of civilization, the boys, in their most savage, animalistic, state, are committing acts of extreme brutality. Afterward, they leave the head of the pig mounted on a stick in the ground as a “sacrifice” to the Beast, as if they are honouring it.

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Works Cited

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. London: Faber and Faber Limited, 1954.