Symbolism, Allegory and Other Deep Thoughts in Lord of the Flies
To fully understand the novel Lord of the Flies, one must understand that the boys' lives on the
island represent a world-wide society . The island is a microcosm or “little version” of society as a
whole.
Lord of the Flies is an allegorical novel. Allegory is a story that has a second distinct meaning
partially hidden behind its literal or visible meaning. Allegorical characters such as those
presented in Lord of the Flies are really symbolic figures that represent certain elements of society.
These characters convey truths or generalizations about human conduct or experience.
What element of society do you think each of the following characters represent?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Jack
Piggy
Ralph
Roger
Simon
The naval officer
What do you think each of the following items symbolizes?
1. The beast
2. The conch
3. Piggy’s specs
4. The signal fire
5. The Lord of the Flies
6. The island
7. The two tribes
8. The pig hunts
What is the tone of the novel? (What is Golding’s view of human nature?)
What do you think the main conflict in the novel is? Choose one and defend it.
What are three other conflicts that occur in the novel, and who do they involve?