ALLEGORY AND SYMBOLISM

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ALLEGORY AND SYMBOLISM

• 5/15/08

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SYMBOLISM

• The representation of a thing or idea.
• An extended metaphor
• A metaphor may compare two unlike things once, a
  symbol compares two unlike things to such an
  extent that the one becomes interchangeable with
  the other.

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Symbols Lord of the Flies

• The conch shell symbolizes civilization and
  power. Ralph uses the conch shell for order and
  discipline within the assemblies. Whoever has
  the conch shell has the power to speak.

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Symbols Lord of the Flies

• The fire symbolizes rescue and on a deeper level
  it symbolizes hope.

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Symbols Lord of the Flies

• The huts or shelters symbolize home. They are
  more than the literal shelters, they provide a
  sense of safety and community.

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Symbols Lord of the Flies

• The face paint is more than just a mask behind
  which Jack can hide his humanity. It symbolizes
  his descent into savagery.

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Symbols Lord of the Flies

• The beastie is more than a man in a parachute.
  It represents the boys fear, specifically fear
  of the unknown.

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Allegory

• Unlike symbolism which works by comparing one
  thing within the narrative to another thing
  within the narrative (the fire to the boys hope,
  the huts to the boys homes), allegory compares
  something within the narrative to something
  outside of the narrative.

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Allegory Lord of the Flies

• The first allegory within Lord of the Flies
  involves the representation of Simons special
  place. It is allegorical to The Garden of Eden.
• Simon is an allegory to Jesus or even to Simon
  Peter (one of the 12 disciples, the founder of
  Christianity Jesus right-hand-man).
• The Lord of the Flies is an allegory to Beelzebub
  (a Hebrew word that translates to Lord of the
  Flies) which is another name for Satan.
• Jack can be seen as allegorical to the archangel
  Lucifer who realizes great power, falls from
  grace, is cast out of heaven, and becomes Satans
  helper.
• Therefore, Lord of the Flies is an allegory to
  The Bible.