Lord of the Flies

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   luannw Teacher
   High School - 11th Grade

   Early in chapter 11, Piggy says he's going to Jack, holding out the conch (the on-going symbol of order) asking for his glasses back because "what's right is right".  It's the last major attempt at civilized behavior.  The fight that ensues on Castle Rock symbolizes the clash of good v. evil, of civilization v. savagery.  Piggy's death symbolizes that savagery won out.

   In chapter 12, Ralph, the last member of civilized society is being hunted like a pig, another symbol of savagery winning over civility.  The fire meant to smoke out Ralph, the enemy, that is destroying the island is symbolic of the effect of war on mankind. Finally, the rescue is symbolic.  It arrives too late for the boys who died, but also too late in that the truth of mankind's true savage nature is exposed.

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   Posted by luannw on Thursday December 13, 2007 at 4:33 AM
   
   

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