Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies

1. characterisation

   • Ralph
     • worried
       • worries due to split in group
     • logical
       • attempts to keep everything in order
     • smart
       • makes the fire to priority
     • brave
       • 'i'm the chief. I'll go. Don't argue.'
   • Simon
     • isolated
       • mostly alone, keeps away from the group
     • mature
       • doesn't get involved with the fighting/arguing
     • grounded
       • admires area, keeps to himself
     • knowledgable
       • realises the truth about the beast
   • Piggy
     • loyal
       • sticks by Ralph no matter what.
     • determined
       • 'we just got to go on, that's all'
     • stressed
       • when his glasses crack
   • Jack
     • animal-like
       • 'flared nostrils'
     • stubborn
       • wants things his way, bosses the others about
     • immature
       • causes arguments, teases Piggy
     • primal instincts
       • takes on the job of being the hunter

2. themes

   • Good vs Evil
     • shows how there is evil present in everyone and how without rules it takes over
   • innocence
     • shows how we see a group of ordinary, young boys become almost 'wild'
   • authority
     • shows how without authority humans allows us to see their 'evil side' and become almost savage
   • fear
     • shows the fear of the unknown/what we cannot see in the 'beast' and secluded parts of the island. This reminds us that they are only young boys

3. symbolism

   • the 'beast'
     • symbolises fear and how the boys are still young
   • the conch
     • shows authority and how once the conch is broke, authority is also broken
   • the fire
     • shows survival instinct and determination to be saved. Once the fire goes out it shows how the boys are completely savage and how everything breaks down
   • desert island setting
     • shows how far away the boys are from civilisation, 'normal' life, rules and authority, which allows them to show their inner-selves

4. allegory

   • Ralph
   • Piggy
   • Jack