When in extreme scenarios, crucial factors such as fear and isolation can contribute to the corruption of one's personality and can ultimately bring out the inner evil that is present in every individual. Throughout the novel "Lord of the Flies," by William Golding, many symbols and recurring motifs help develop and contribute to Jack's violent character and overall savage behavior. The spears that Jack and his hunters constantly use all through the story help contribute to his violent behavior and symbolizes his progression of savagery. The face paint that Jack wears on his face symbolizes his emerging evil persona and his submission to a primitive and savage way of life. The recurring motif of the beast represents Jack's constant fear of the vast unknown and helps exhibit the evil nature that lies deep within him.
The wooden spears that Jack and his hunters use during the novel symbolize the gradual progression of savagery and violent behavior. Early on in the story, Jack begins to quickly obsess over capturing and killing a pig. When Ralph mentions that the best thing for them to do is get rescued, Jack appears to have already forgotten what their main goal is: "Jack had to think for a moment before he could remember what rescue was. 'Rescue? Yes, of course! All the same, I'd like to catch a pig first-' He snatched up his spear and dashed it into the ground. The opaque, mad look came into his eyes again" (Golding 54). Evidently, Jack's firm obsession over capturing and killing a pig with his spear begins to consume his mind and starts to slowly drive him closer towards utter savagery. In addition, the passage also mentions how he presents an opaque, mad look in his eyes, which unmistakably displays a glimpse of his inner evil that lies deep within him.
Not only do they symbolize the progression of savagery, but the spears also greatly contribute to the violent behavior that Jack demonstrates throughout the novel.
