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Symbolism in William Golding

            Symbolism is often used by writers to enhance the plot and relate certain aspects to real life. In Lord of the Flies, William Golding shows a great deal of symbolism. The conch, the fire, and the masks are all examples of symbols that are clearly shown. Golding demonstrates symbolism through descriptions and situations when the symbols are used.
             The conch is a well-represented symbol in the novel for civilization and authority. The conch is used to call on assemblies of all of the children on the island. Piggy is responsible for identifying the power of the conch, "He used to blow it and his mum would come."(Golding p.15) Secondly the conch is used in meetings as the right to speak. Ralph comes up with this idea near the beginning, "then I"ll give him the conch."(p.33) As civilization starts to deteriorate the conch is ignored more and more in group meetings. When the conch is finally destroyed civilization is abandoned and savagery takes place. "The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments."(p.181) The story of the conch demonstrates the need for authority on the island as without it civilization is lost which proves the conch to be well-defined symbol.
             The fire is also a symbol used to identify the rescue portion while on the island. The fire was first made for rescue not cooking. Ralph states this in a meeting, "We can help them find us we must make a fire."(Golding p.38) Golding uses the fire to represent rescue by the adult world. When the fire goes out for the first time a ship at sea passes the island without seeing the smoke and therefore doesn't rescue the children. "You let the fire go out."(p.70) Ralph shows anger toward Jack as he put food ahead of rescue. Near the end of the novel when the whole island turns into savagery and all seems to be lost, the island catches on fire during the hunt for Ralph. This fire is responsible for the rescue of the children. The naval officer is found standing on the beach as Ralph looks up at him.


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