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William Goldings Lord of the Flies

Lord of the flies is a thought-provoking novel authored by William Golding in 1954.

The book describes in detail the horrific exploits of a band of young children who make a
striking transition from civilized to barbaric. The Lord of the Flies commands a pessimistic
outlook that seems to show that man is inherently tied to society, and without it, we would
likely return to savagery.
Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell
Piggy and Ralph meet up with each other after escaping from their shot-down plane. A
large scar was made in the untouched jungle, symbolizing the first of man's destruction on the
island. A war is going on in the outside world, and now for the rest of the book, everyone will
be isolated from it and put into their own "world."
Piggy spots a conch shell, and tells Ralph how to use it to make a noise. Ralph does
so, and calls all of the other boys on the island who crashed down with the plane. Jack and his
Choir, Simon, Sam and Eric, and many other characters join in an assembly (including the
littl'uns, which are the youngest kids at about 6 or 7 years old). Rules are set down, and Ralph
is to be chief. There is no one else on the island but the young boys, so Jack decides to take
his choir out to hunt for wild pigs, although he is unsuccessful in killing a small pig with his
knife.
Significance: While Jack's first attempt to kill the pig failed, his quote "next time..."
foreshadowed his future of savage hunting.
Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain
Ralph calls another assembly, and reminds everyone that they are completely alone on
the island, and there are no adults. Jack recounts his failure in killing the pig, and reiterates
the need for skilled hunters. Several rules are made up, such as "whoever holds the conch gets
to speak." Unexpectedly, an unnamed littl'un with a birthmark on his face tells about a
"beastie" that he saw somewhere on the island. The general consensus from the others is that
there is no such thing, and it must be his imagination.
Ralph then suggests making a signal fire, which would be necessary if they hope to get
rescued. The boys scramble off to gather wood to build a fire. Unsure of how to light it, they
finally grab Piggy's specs and focus the sunlight to ignite their fire. They were not careful,
however, and soon the fire is engulfing half the forest near the mountain. The little boy with
the birthmark is noticed to be missing, swallowed up by the raging fire.
Significance: Piggy is averse to most of the other boys, who he thinks are acting like
little children (they are children, obviously, but Piggy acts like the adult figure). He cites their
irresponsibility in dealing with the fire. Jack also shows signs of belligerence when he argues
with Ralph about the signal fire, and claims that "The conch doesn't count on the mountain!"
Chapter 3: Huts on the Beach
Jack is busy tracking a pig at the start of this chapter, when he arrives at the beach
where Simon and Ralph are constructing huts. Ralph complains no other boys are helping
them with their shelters, but Jack tries to argue that hunting is more important; this expands
into yet another argument between Ralph and Jack. When Jack again brings up hunting, Ralph

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presses that keeping the signal fire is much more important than hunting. Jack disagrees, and
they boys continue on their path of mutual dislike.
Ignorant to the fussing of the other boys, Simon picks fruit for the littl'uns and makes
his way into the jungle finding a clearing. He climbs onto a mat of creepers, and remains
there; he enjoys the tranquility of this spot, where he can be in touch with nature.
Significance: Jack is solely concerned with hunting, and cannot see the necessity of
other things that can keep them alive. Ralph and Jack are really beginning to fight in this
chapter, and it foreshadows much more future conflicts down the line. Simon's actions present
him as a very good, peaceful and helpful character, in contrast with many others.
Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair
Roger is knocking down sand structures made by littl'uns, and throwing rocks at a
young boy, although intentionally missing. Jack calls Roger away, asking him to watch him
paint his face for hunting pigs.
Ralph and the other boys are swimming in the bathing pool later on, when smoke from
a ship is spotted in the distance. The signal fire was out , not being watched, obliterating their
chances of rescue. Oblivious, Jack and his hunters come proudly marching carrying their first
kill, trying to convey their excitement to Ralph. When Ralph yells that a ship passed them by
and no fire was going, excuses are made and Jack tries to say that hunting is of utmost
importance. In the ensuing fight, Jack punches Piggy, breaking and knocking off his specs.
Finally, the fire is lit again, the pig is roasted, and everyone eats. The hunters reenact
the hunt, with a wild tribal dance and one boy being the pig; this is the first time of many that
the dance is performed.
Significance: Roger's first showing of aggression foreshadows his becoming a very
evil and sadistic figure, Jack's invitation to watch him paint his face is the start of their "evil
friendship." Jack's mask of face paint represents a cover that he can hide behind, which
liberates and frees him, allowing him to do anything when wearing it, without worrying about
any important matters. Jack still does not understand Ralph's concern with the fire, and doesn't
seem to care much for getting rescued. The primal dance performed by the hunters highlights
their transition into savagery.

Chapter 5: Beast From Water

At another assembly, Ralph mentions that work isn't getting done, and rules aren't
being followed. He tries to drive home the fact that "...we ought to die before we let the fire
out."
All the young children, however, are preoccupied with the Beast, which they still
believe in as some kind of animal living on the island. Jack says that he's been everywhere,
and there is no beast, and Piggy says that a beast can't exist in a world with science. However,
a littl'un still steps up and says that he saw something horrid in the forest (which was actually
Simon returning in the dark from his peaceful area). Another littl'un says that there's a "Beast
from the water," which is further debated. Simon finally tries to settle the matter by saying
that there may be a beast, but that "it's only us." However, this is responded to with mocking
and joking, as it seems a preposterous notion.
During the assembly, Jack tries brings up the fact that Ralph isn't a good chief, because
he can't hunt or sing. Piggy and others are against the idea, but Jack is starting to become
more and more savage and overpowering. The assembly soon falls apart and the hunters begin
to chant and dance.

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Significance: Simon is the only one to realize that there really isn't any "beast," but
just a force of evil or savagery inside all of them that can manifest itself in different ways. The
boys are beginning to split into two factions, those that support Ralph and those that support
Jack and his more savage ways. The conflict between them is continuing to build up.

Chapter 6: Beast From Air

A man from a shot-down fighter plane parachutes down from the sky. The man is
already dead, however, and the body and parachute float up to the island, eventually snagging
on rocks. The wind continually grabs the parachute, lifting the body up and down, which is
seen by Samneric. Terrified, they run to tell about this "Beast from the Air," and an assembly
is called. Most everyone now thinks they are in grave danger, and Jack suggests they go hunt
it.
Jack, Ralph, and a group of hunters set out to get the Beast, while Piggy stays at the
beach with the littl'uns. They first check Castle Rock, where they had never been before.
Although they find nothing, Jack thinks the place would be a great fort, and he and his hunters
heave a large boulder off a ledge. Ralph prods them along, and they decide to continue to the
mountain to look for the Beast.
Significance: The fighter plane being shot down at the beginning symbolizes the war
going on in the real world, and links it to the boys and their island. Jack's intrigue with Castle
Rock foreshadows his future use of the location as a fortification.

Chapter 7: Shadows and Tall Trees

Ralph begins to ponder about their appearance and dirtiness as they walk to the
mountain; he would love to get his hair cut back down to a half inch. Simon sees Ralph
staring out to sea and repeatedly reassures him that they will get home safely.
Jack, his hunting instincts always engaged, finds traces of a boar which they begin to
hunt. Ralph manages to hit it with his spear, but the animal escapes. Another tribal dance is
formed, with a boy named Robert as the Pig. Unlike before, Ralph actively participates, and
their acting becomes overly realistic, actually striking and hurting Robert.
Finally, they move on towards the mountain, and send Simon back to tell Piggy they
won't be back soon. Jack scales the mountain and reports a sighting of a moving creature,
initiating a mass climb to the summit. When they see what they believe to be the Beast (the
body being lifted by the parachute), they make haste to leave.
Significance: Simon's reassurance of their rescue strengthens his position as a positive
and good character. Ralph, on the other hand, showed his faltering in blocking his inherent
savagery when he joined in on the pig hunt and dance. Even to Ralph, "the desire to squeeze
and hurt was overmastering." Even the mock pig hunt is becoming something of danger and
greater brutality.

Chapter 8: Gift for the Darkness

Piggy is told about the encounter, and everyone tries to decide what to do. Jack calls
an assembly, and insists that the Beast is a major threat that should be hunted. Ralph upsets
him, though, when he calls his hunters cowards. Enraged, Jack asks if anyone thinks Ralph
shouldn't be chief. Nobody responds, so he asks again for anyone to come with him, then runs
off with tears in his eyes. Their signal fire is being blocked by the Beast, as they believe, so
they decide to move the fire to the beach. When they get there, they notice that most of the

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older boys did in fact decide to go off with Jack, except for Ralph, Simon Piggy and
Samneric.
Jack's tribe begins to hunt, and they come across a sow and baby piglets in the clearing
near Simon's domain. They attack and kill the mother sow, while the piglets escape. The head
is severed and put on a stick, which is embedded into the ground as a gift for the Beast. Jack
finally realizes that they'll need fire to cook the meat, so they raid Ralph's camp and steal a
flaming log, and invite them to come feast. Ralph maintains that the fire is more important,
but has to be reminded why by Piggy.
Simon encounters the Pig's head, and manages to start talking to the thing, although it
is mostly in his imagination. The black cloud of flies coating the head causes it to now be
called "The Lord of the Flies." The Lord of the Flies says "I'm part of you...We're going to
have fun on this island." It continues to say that if Simon tries to talk to the others about the
Beast, that he will be killed by everyone, including Ralph and Piggy. After taking this all in,
Simon feels a faint coming on and collapses.
Significance: Jack's killing of the mother pig shows his great lack of foresight, as by
killing the mother, they were losing all the other piglets who would've been a future source of
food. The events with Simon are also some of the most important in the book, hence the
book's name. Simon's conversation with it is the basis of the theme of the novel, and is partly
his imagination, and partly some kind of "message" from the unknown. The Lord of the Flies
basically confirms to Simon that the Beast really is "inside" everyone, but says that everyone
would rather have fun than worry about anything else. The threat of being killed clearly
foreshadows the ending of Simon's life.

Chapter 9: A View to a Death

A violent storm is raging on the island, while Simon finally wakes up from his faint.
He staggers towards the beach to tell the other boys about his ordeal. Piggy and Ralph already
decided to check out the roasting of the Pig, where Jack then asks everyone to confirm their
loyalty to him. Ralph tries to persuade them to follow himself and keep the fire alive, but most
of the boys are already overcome by Jack's leadership and ability to tell them what they want
to hear.
Insistent, Ralph tries to talk some sense into them, asking them what they will do
without shelters. Jack just orders the boys to begin their dance, oblivious to any dangers.
Roger plays the pig, and as the boys begin dancing, even Piggy and Ralph feel the strong lure
to be part of the group, take part in this primal ritual. As before, the dance escalates into real
attacking, but they are distracted by a figure emerging from the jungle. They call out that "it's
the Beast!" and begin to attack it relentlessly. The beaten and dead body of Simon is then
carried out to the sea by the current.
Significance: The beating of Simon by all the boys, even Ralph and Piggy who were
caught up in the frenzy, fulfills the Lord of the Flies' "prophecy." Even these boys were
overcome with their savage side when in such close contact with all the other boys.

Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses

Samneric are collecting wood for the fire, while Ralph and Piggy discuss the murder
of Simon; the rest of the boys pledge their loyalty to Jack. Piggy claims that the whole affair
was an accident, and that they just got all caught up.
Jack meanwhile is guarding his fort on Castle Rock, where Roger is always ready to
use a lever to drop a boulder on intruders. Jack has a boy tied up and beaten, for no reason

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except to show what happens if anyone gets in his way. His savagery is obvious now, and his
face is always painted.
Ralph is still pondering over watching the fire, and he always has to be reminded that
the fire is a necessity. Ralph tries to reassure the twins that what they are doing is right, and
Jack is wrong, in response to their protests. They finally concede to leave the fire and go to
their shelters. They are woken up by unusual sounds, and fear it may be the Beast, but it turns
out to be Jack and tribe searching for fire. They break into the shelter and begin to fight for
Piggy's glasses, cutting and knocking teeth loose in the process.
Significance: The murder of Simon is somewhat of a wake-up call for Ralph, who
doesn't accept that it was just an accident. The constant need to be reminded about the fire,
though, shows that he is losing touch with civilization, and responsibility. Roger being ready
with the massive boulder foreshadows some future use for it, undoubtedly to cause harm. The
stealing of Piggy's glasses shows a disappearance of a symbol of order and clear-sightedness,
as they unwillingly drift from civilization.

Chapter 11: Castle Rock

Ralph calls an assembly in worry, and Piggy, the twins and a few littl'uns are the only
ones left to attend. Ralph suggests to the bruised boys that they may be able to go to Jack and
demand the specs back, since they are not savages and rescue is not just a game. Ralph and
Samneric set off carrying spears, leading Piggy holding the conch.
At Castle Rock, Roger orders the boys to halt, but Ralph blows the conch. Ralph tells
them he is calling an assembly, and Jack steps forward. He laughs at their request to return the
specs, and a fight ensues. Jack then orders his tribe to grab Samneric, and tie them up.
Suddenly, interrupting the fighting, Piggy speaks up, asking everyone if it is better to have
rules and agree, or to hunt and kill. Everyone remains silent and hears his message. As Piggy
continues his preaching of democracy, Roger slams the lever holding the boulder and it goes
careening down. Ralph dodges the rock, but the unseeing Piggy is struck, sending him flying
40 feet straight down and shattering the conch. Even Jack is a bit surprised with Roger's quick
and brutal action, but he assures Ralph that it will happen to him next. Ralph begins to run
away, and the tribe eventually gives up pursuit under Jack's order.
Significance: Piggy's willingness to come along for what he believes is right, and his
standing up and speaking out shows that he has gained greater courage and confidence since
the beginning of the novel. His tragic death and the shattering of the conch represents the
disappearance of some of the last remnants of democracy. With Samneric taken under Jack's
control, Ralph is the only one left with the waning sense of democracy and goodness.

Chapter 12: Cry of the Hunters

Ralph is huddled in the jungle near Castle Rock, as dusk passes. Samneric, who are
guarding Castle Rock under Jack's leadership, are approached by Ralph. They inform him that
Jack's tribe will be out hunting him the next day, and they have "sharpened a stick at both
ends." Ralph tells Samneric of his hiding spot, and proceeds back to it. Scared by Jack's
power, Samneric tell Jack about Ralph's hiding spot the next morning. Another boulder is
rolled down, but misses smashing Ralph. Other attempts of getting Ralph from his hiding spot
are unsuccessful, so they set the entire area on fire in desperation.
Ralph begins to run from the advancing fire, making his way to Simon's mat of
creepers where he hides and lays low. The savages advance with the fire, searching, hunting
for Ralph. They finally reach Ralph's hiding spot, and Roger looks in. Ralph attacks him,
knocking him over, and continued running to the beach. Running wildly, he almost crashed

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into a Naval officer standing at the beach, who was attracted by all the fire and smoke. He
assumes that their stay on the island must've been all "fun and games," but is surprised at the
spears and face paint on many of the boys. Some are crying, many are confused. The officer is
told that two boys were killed, and everyone is taken to a Navy cruiser.
Significance: The "stick sharpened at both ends" is a reference to what they did with
the Lord of the Flies, impaling one end in the head and the other in the ground. This shows the
brutality of what they planned to do to Ralph, who indeed felt like a pig being hunted by the
savages. The fire set on the entire island shows the tribe's complete lack of foresight, as if they
were not rescued, they would have no food or shelter. Ironically, the fire meant for evil started
by Jack turned out to be what got the boys saved. The arrival of the Naval officer thus seems
like a happy and ironic ending, but if one digs deeper it is just a continuation from one war to
another. Once all the boys get on the Navy cruiser, they'll most likely just be subjected to
more battle and fighting, this time on a worldwide level, due to the war taking place in the
outside world.
Main Characters

Ralph
Ralph is twelve years old with blond hair, and is the most charismatic of the group. He is
described as being built "like a boxer," and is initially chosen as leader due to his many
positive qualities. He maintains a conflict with Jack throughout the entire novel, attempting
to keep order whereas Jack isn't concerned with it. Ralph and Piggy together represent the
struggle for order and democracy.

Jack

Jack is about Ralph's age, with a skinnier build and red hair. His freckled face is described as
being "ugly without silliness." From the very beginning, he seems to harbor emotions of
anger and savagery. At first, he is the leader of his choir group, who become hunters as the
book progresses. Finally, his savage personality and ability to tell people wha they want to
hear allows him to overtake Ralph as chief.

Piggy
Piggy is a short and overweight boy who wears glasses and represents order and democracy.
He is afflicted with asmtha and doesn't care to do strenuous work on the island. He tries very
hard to cling to civilization, and tries his best to keep peace. While probably the smartest boy
on the island, he lacks any social skills whatsoever, and has trouble communicating or fitting
in with the others. His glasses are a very important part of the book, as they are used over and
over to start fires. Piggy's constant polishing of them shows his desire for clear-sightedness
and civilization.

Simon
Simon is younger than the three boys above, but older than other littluns. He is very good and
pure, and has the most positive outlook. He insist multiple times that they will get rescued,
even when Ralph is strongly doubting the possibility. Simon often travels into his tranquil
spot in the jungle, but also tries to help out when it is needed. He meets up with a pig's head
skewered on a stick, which becomes known as the Lord of the Flies. Simon is killed soon
afterward by all of the other boys who were caught up in a savage dance.

Roger

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A small boy with dirty and shaggy black hair, Roger represents pure evil and wrongness,
moreso even than Jack. He has no mercy, and is the first one to intentionally kill another boy
on the island when he smashed Piggy with a boulder. He gets sadistic pleasure from torturing
a pig and other boys on the island. Roger is one of Jack's most loyal helpers, and gladly
carries out his orders.

Sam and Eric

Sam and Eric are two young twins who always travel and do everything together. Without
each other, they are incapable of very much. They represent reliance and unity, and because
of this become like one person referred to as Samneric. While seemingly loyal to Ralph, they
eventually give in to Jack's threats and join his tribe. While Ralph hoped otherwise, the twins
in the end disclose Ralph's hiding spot to Jack. The loss of civilization led them to lose any
real sense of loyalty to others.

Symbolism In Lord of the Flies

Symbolism played an important part in the development of story. This narrative technique is
used to give a significance to certain people or objects, which represent some other figure.
The following table lists many of the examples of symbolism used throughout Golding's
book.
Object/Character
Piggy (and Glasses)
Ralph, The Conch
Simon
Roger
Jack
The Island
The "Scar"
The Beast
Lord of the Flies

Represents
Clear-sightedness, intelligence. Their state represents the status of social
order.
Democracy, Order
Pure Goodness, "Christ Figure"
Evil, Satan
Savagery, Anarchy
A microcosm representing the world
Man's destruction, destructive forces
The evil residing within everyone, the dark side of human nature.
The Devil, great danger or evil

There are many other aspects in the story that may be considered symbolism, but the several
above are probably the most significant. Another good example of symbolism, brought to my
attention by a site visitor, is the shape of the island. The boat shape of the island is an ancient
symbol of civilization. The water current around the island seems to be "flowing backwards,"
giving the subtle impression that civilization may be going backwards for the island or its
inhabitants. Additionally, another reader pointed out that Jack could also represent
Communism or Fascism. Golding was influenced by events during the time period that the
book was written, which was around World War II.

Themes
William Golding presented numerous themes and basic ideas that give the reader something
to think about. One of the most basic and obvious themes is that society holds everyone
together, and without these conditions, our ideals, values, and the basics of right and wrong
are lost. Without society's rigid rules, anarchy and savagery can come to light.

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Golding is also showing that morals come directly from our surroundings, and if there is no
civilization around us, we will lose these values.
Other secondary themes include the following:

People will abuse power when it's not earned.

When given a chance, people often single out another to degrade to improve their own
security.
You can only cover up inner savagery so long before it breaks out, given the right
situation.
It's better to examine the consequences of a decision before you make it than to
discover them afterward.
The fear of the unknown can be a powerful force, which can turn you to either insight
or hysteria.

Miscellaneous Information
William Golding obviously was influenced by several other authors in his creation of Lord of
the Flies. His references to Coral Island and the use of the names Jack and Ralph are both
derived from Robert Ballantyne's Coral Island. He has also had influence from the likes of
Edgar Rice Burroughs and Jules Verne. Golding, however, held a much more negative outlook
on human nature, which he expressed in his works, beginning with Lord of the Flies.
Chapter 1

Page Definition: Click on word for further info.

efflorescence 12

Blooming of flowers, state of flowering

enmity

14

Deep seated hatred; State of being an

enemy

decorous

15

Exhibiting appropriate behavior or conduct

chorister

22

A singer or leader of a choir

bastion

29

A stronghold or fortification; similar to a

stronghold

hiatus

31

A gap or interruption in continuity; a break

or pause

Chapter 2

Page

ebullience

38

Zestful or spirited enthusiasm

recrimination 43

The act of accusing in return; opposing

another charge

tumult

43

Commotion of a great crowd; disorder

tirade

45

A long angry or violent speech; a diatribe

Chapter 3

Page

oppressive

49

Using power unjustly; burdensome

inscrutable

49

Difficult to understand, mysterious

vicissitudes

49

A change or variation; unexpected changes

in life

declivities

54

Downward slopes, as of a hill

tacit

55

Not spoken; implied by actions or

statements

Chapter 4

Page

blatant

58

Totally or offensively obtrusive; very

obvious

taboo

62

Excluded or forbidden from use or mention

sinewy

64

Lean and muscular; stringy and tough

malevolently 71

Having an ill will or wishing harm to

others; malicious

Chapter 5

Page

ludicrous

78

laugibly and obviously absurd; foolish

ineffectual

79

Insufficient to produce an effect; useless

jeer

84

to abuse vocally; taunt or mock

inarticulate

89

Incomprehensible; unable to speak with

clarity

Chapter 6

Page

leviathan

105

Something very large; giant sea creature in

the Bible

clamor

108

A loud outcry; great expression of

discontent
Unruly; insubordinate or constituting a
mutiny

mutinously

Chapter 7

Page

crestfallen

117 Dispirited and depressed; dejected

impervious

121 Incapable of being penetrated or affected.

enterprise

122

Chapter 8

Page

glowered

127 Looked at or stared angrily or sullenly

rebuke

128 To criticize sharply; check or repress

demure

133 Modest and reserved in manner or behavior

fervor

133 Great intensity of emotion; intense heat

An undertaking or business organization;

industrious

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Chapter 9

Page

corpulent

146 Excessively fat

sauntered

150 To walk at a leisurely pace; stroll

Chapter 10

Page

compelled

167

Chapter 11

Page

luminous

169 Emitting light; full of light

myopia

169 Nearsightedness

sniveling

170 To sniffle; complain or whine tearfully

quavered

174 Trembled, or spoke in a trembling voice

parried

179 Deflected or warded off; avoided

talisman

180 An object with magical power

Chapter 12

Page

acrid

186 Unpleasantly sharp or bitter taste or smell

cordon

191 A line of people or ships stationed to guard

elephantine

194

epaulettes

200 A fringed strap worn on military uniforms

To force or drive; exert a strong, irresistable

force on

The size of an elephant; enormous

size/strength