Symbols and Meaning in Lord of the Flies

This paper explores the use of symbolism in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, a powerful allegory about the breakdown of civilization and the inherent savagery in human nature. The study focuses on four major symbols: the conch shell, representing order and democracy; Piggy’s glasses, symbolizing knowledge and technology; the “beast,” reflecting internal fear and primal instincts; and the Lord of the Flies itself, a grim image of evil and corruption. Using a literary analysis method, this paper examines how these symbols evolve throughout the narrative and contribute to the novel’s central themes. The findings highlight Golding’s critique of human nature and the fragility of social constructs. This article contributes to literary discussions by offering a deeper understanding of how symbolic elements shape the moral message of the novel The research affirms the validity of previous interpretations while offering new insights into the dynamic interplay of symbols in the text. Despite some limitations, the study contributes to literary scholarship by elucidating how symbolism functions as a crucial lens through which readers can engage with Golding’s cautionary tale about humanity.

کلیدواژه ها:

Allegory ، Human Nature ، Lord of the Flies