Lord Of The Flies Symbolism Worksheet

Lord of the Flies Symbolism Worksheet: Unpacking the Allegory

William Golding's Lord of the Flies isn't just a thrilling adventure story; it's a potent allegory exploring the inherent darkness within human nature. Understanding its symbolism is crucial to grasping the novel's deeper meaning. This comprehensive worksheet will guide you through the key symbols, their interpretations, and their contribution to the overall narrative. We'll delve into the rich tapestry of meaning woven throughout Golding's masterpiece, examining how seemingly simple objects and events carry profound significance.

Part 1: Key Symbols and Their Interpretations

This section will explore some of the most prominent symbols in Lord of the Flies, examining their multiple layers of meaning and their impact on the narrative.

1. The Island: A Microcosm of Society

Symbol: The island itself acts as a microcosm of the wider world. Its isolated nature emphasizes the boys' separation from adult supervision and societal norms.

Interpretation: The island represents humanity's potential for both savagery and civilization. Its idyllic beauty initially promises hope and paradise, yet it gradually transforms into a battleground reflecting the inherent conflict between order and chaos. The abundance of resources initially provides comfort, yet the lack of established systems and rules ultimately leads to their downfall. The island's geography, from the lush forests to the treacherous mountain, mirrors the complexities of human nature and its fluctuating morality.

Significance: The island's transformation underscores the fragility of civilization and the ease with which it can crumble when external constraints are removed. It emphasizes the idea that societal structures and laws are not inherent to human nature but rather artificial constructs necessary to restrain our baser instincts.

2. The Conch Shell: Order and Civilization

Symbol: The conch shell represents order, civilization, and rational discourse. Its discovery establishes a system of rules and democracy among the boys. Holding the conch grants the speaker the right to be heard, symbolizing civilized debate and the power of reason.

Interpretation: The conch embodies the principles of democracy and the power of collective decision-making. Its symbolic power is directly linked to the boys’ ability to maintain a semblance of civilization. The gradual deterioration of its authority mirrors the decline into savagery.

Significance: The conch's eventual destruction signifies the complete collapse of civilized behavior and the triumph of primal instincts. It showcases how fragile order is and how easily it can be replaced by chaos and violence. The shattering of the conch represents the complete abandonment of reason and the embrace of primal savagery.

3. Piggy's Glasses: Intellect and Reason

Symbol: Piggy's spectacles symbolize intellect, reason, and clear-sightedness. They are essential for starting fires, a crucial tool for survival and signaling for help.

Interpretation: Piggy's glasses represent the power of intellectualism and scientific reasoning. Their destruction mirrors the systematic dismantling of reason and intellectual pursuits in favor of brute force and impulsive actions.

Significance: Piggy's glasses are repeatedly targeted and damaged, reflecting the boys' rejection of intellectualism and rational thought in their descent into savagery. Their destruction mirrors the suppression of reason and the dominance of primal instincts. The loss of the glasses represents the loss of hope for rescue and the increasing dominance of savagery.

4. The Lord of the Flies: The Inherent Evil in Humanity

Symbol: The Lord of the Flies, a pig's head impaled on a stick, represents the primal, inherent evil within human nature. It embodies the destructive power of unchecked instinct and savagery.

Interpretation: The Lord of the Flies is a potent symbol of the inherent darkness that lurks within humankind. It symbolizes the seductive power of evil and the ease with which it can corrupt even the most innocent individuals. The flies buzzing around the decaying pig's head emphasize the repulsive nature of unchecked savagery.

Significance: The Lord of the Flies acts as a physical manifestation of the boys' inner demons and their descent into savagery. It serves as a stark reminder that evil is not an external force but an intrinsic part of human nature.

5. Fire: Hope and Destruction

Symbol: Fire serves as a dual symbol, representing both hope for rescue and the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

Interpretation: Initially, the fire symbolizes hope for rescue and a connection to civilization. It represents the boys' desire to escape the island and return to a structured society. However, the fire also becomes a destructive force, consuming the island's resources and causing chaos. The uncontrolled fire is linked to Ralph’s ambition to maintain order. However, the later destructive fires, notably the one that destroys the island’s resources, reveal the destructive side of power and lack of control.

Significance: The changing nature of fire highlights the dual nature of human ambition and its capacity for both good and evil. The failure to maintain the initial signal fire represents the boys' loss of their connection to civilization and their increasing embrace of savagery.

6. The Beast: Fear and the Unknown

Symbol: The beast represents the primal fear of the unknown, the darkness within human nature, and the consequences of unchecked savagery. It is never clearly defined, suggesting that the true "beast" is within the boys themselves.

Interpretation: The beast is a projection of the boys' fears and anxieties. It's a manifestation of their own inner savagery and the potential for violence and destruction that lies within them. The ambiguity surrounding its identity underscores the psychological power of fear and the way it can distort perception and fuel irrational behavior.

Significance: The boys' relentless pursuit of the beast underscores their inability to confront their own inner demons. It showcases how fear can be used as a tool to manipulate and control others, leading to chaos and violence. The search for the "beast" is a reflection of their own inner savagery.

Part 2: Analyzing the Symbols: Worksheet Activities

This section provides several activities to deepen your understanding of the symbolism in Lord of the Flies.

Activity 1: Symbol Chart

Create a chart listing the major symbols in the novel, their interpretations, and their significance to the plot. Consider the following symbols:

• The island
• The conch shell
• Piggy's glasses
• The Lord of the Flies
• Fire
• The beast
• Ralph's leadership
• Jack's savagery
• Simon's wisdom
• The parachute man

Activity 2: Symbol Comparison

Compare and contrast two contrasting symbols from the novel. For example, compare the conch shell to the Lord of the Flies. How do they represent opposing forces within the boys? What does their interaction reveal about human nature?

Activity 3: Symbol Evolution

Choose one symbol (e.g., fire) and trace its evolution throughout the novel. How does its meaning and significance change as the plot progresses? What factors contribute to this change?

Activity 4: Symbol and Character Interaction

Analyze the relationship between a specific symbol and a particular character. For example, consider the relationship between Piggy and his glasses. How does this symbol reflect Piggy's character and his role in the narrative?

Activity 5: Essay Prompt

Write a short essay exploring the following prompt: "To what extent does Golding use symbolism in Lord of the Flies to explore the themes of civilization versus savagery and the inherent darkness in human nature?"

Part 3: Extending Your Understanding

This section offers further avenues for exploring the symbolism in Lord of the Flies.

Further Exploration:

• Research Golding's personal experiences and beliefs. How might these have influenced his use of symbolism in the novel?
• Compare and contrast the symbolism in Lord of the Flies with other allegorical works of literature. How do these works share similar or contrasting interpretations?
• Consider the novel's relevance to contemporary issues. How might the symbolism in Lord of the Flies be applied to current events or societal problems?

By engaging with these activities and further exploration, you will develop a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted symbolism in William Golding's Lord of the Flies, ultimately enhancing your appreciation of this powerful allegory. Remember, the symbolism within the novel is layered and multi-faceted, allowing for a rich and profound understanding of the themes explored. Through careful analysis, you can unlock the many meanings embedded within this classic novel and gain valuable insights into the complexities of human nature.