Symbols Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colours used to represent abstract ideas

Fire The fire is a symbol of the boys’ connection with civilization If the fire is maintained then this represents the boys’ longing to be rescued When the fire burns low it is a sign that the boys are accepting their life on the island and sinking into savagery

The fire is almost like a measuring stick – it reflects the sense of order and civilisation on the island. Ironically it is fire which attracts the attention and brings about their rescue at the end of the novel However, it wasn’t the signal fire; it was the fire Jack started to hunt out Ralph – what should have brought about death actually brought rescue and life.

The Conch The conch is a powerful symbol of order and civilisation It is used to govern the meetings the boy holding the shell has the right to speak In some ways more than a symbol - it is the actual vessel of legitimacy and democratic power. The Conch

As the civilized behaviour and order begin to disintegrate the conch loses its power When Ralph blows the conch in Jack’s camp at Castle Rock, stones are thrown at him When Piggy is killed the conch is shattered

Piggy’s glasses Piggy is the most intelligent boy in the group and in some ways is like an adult His glasses represent the power of science and rational thought in society This is seen when they need them to light the fire – can’t survive without them. It’s the glasses Jack steals, not the conch They have the power to make fire

The Lord of the Flies Beelzebub It comes from an Arabic word meaning fly-lord In the bible it is the name for the prince of demons Now recognised as a name for the devil

The pig’s head holds rule over all the subject flies, just as … The beast , or evil within each of the boys, holds rule over their actions It is symbolic of the power of evil