Lord of the Flies Microcosm Essay
Lord of the Flies Microcosm Essaycontributed by Simpson Au, http://www.simpau.cjb.net
Symbolism in Lord of the Flies
The story, Lord of the Flies, has many interesting symbols relating adult society to kids surviving on an island. Many of the characters and items in this novel such as Jack or the conch can be interpreted on a macroscopic scale but the most important being this; a microcosm of children on an island makes a great symbolic message about human nature, society and how grown-ups live and govern - and how they cannot.
When you consider the time period this book was written, you can see where Golding got some of his inspiration. Europe was still recovering after WW2 and the author probably wanted to comment on the political turmoil during the 50s. The island is a microcosm of the world during this time, and its scar represents human destruction once the kids were dropped or “reborn” on the island. If we look at the book as a political statement we can already sense leaders and followers.
Obviously, Ralph, described as a good-looking, relying on common sense type of regular fellow, is the likable, fair, and even admired, democratic leader. He has a few loyal advisors and following. Piggy, a smart chubby boy, represents the scientific community and logical thinking, with glasses that represent clarity, civilization and the power to get back. He is essentially Ralph’s method of governing. Sam `n Eric, the twin labourers, stuck with Ralph until the end and did a lot of cooperative activities for Ralph. They were the hut builders, fire tenders and wood gatherers. The little ones also liked Ralph. They were the citizens and at times were happy but slowly grew discontent as paradise became hell. Throughout the story the little ones didn’t do much but in the beginning they did vote Ralph in and basically brought him into power. Because the people elected Ralph, he therefore is a true democratic ruler. He passes the conch symbolizing order around, lets others talk, follows rules and does not intend to break them himself. There’s trouble enforcing the laws just like our democracies, today. However, we are still free-living citizens, much like the kids under Ralph’s reign.
Jack and Roger are the complete opposite. Jack represents the savagery and hate in all of us. Starting out as a choirboy, he slowly evolves into the hunting “Chief” of the opposition party. Methods used by Hitler were also used by Jack. Total control such as binding and strapping Wilfred and propaganda like using the beast to inspire fear and presenting himself as the only protection is used in his dictatorial rule. He overthrows Ralph with fun, and then proceeds to use muscle once he had friends like Roger. Roger is his right hand man but is even worse. He starts out throwing...
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