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  • Essay / Allegory in Lord of the Flies

    Table of ContentsThe Island as MicrocosmCharacters as SymbolsConclusionBibliography William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies is a gripping and thought-provoking work of literature that has stood the test of time. Set on a desert island, the story follows a group of young boys who must govern themselves after a plane crash. Amidst the struggle for survival, Golding uses allegory to explore the darker aspects of human nature and society. This essay will examine how Lord of the Flies functions as an allegory, highlighting the inherent evil that exists within individuals and society as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Island as a Microcosm One of the main ways that Lord of the Flies functions as an allegory is through the island itself, which serves as a microcosm of the larger world. Just as the boys are isolated on the island, society is often seen as an isolated entity, separate from the rest of the world. The island represents a blank slate, devoid of any pre-existing structure or societal rules. This allows Golding to explore the innate human tendencies that emerge in the absence of civilization. Throughout the novel, the island undergoes a transformation, reflecting the deterioration of the boys' moral values. At first glance, the island appears like a paradise, with its lush vegetation and crystal clear waters. However, as the boys descend into savagery, the island becomes a dystopian nightmare, mirroring the destructive forces that can corrupt a society when left unchecked. Additionally, the physical features of the island also serve as allegorical elements. The Beast, a mythical creature that terrifies boys, represents the primal instincts and fears that reside within every individual. This fear leads to the creation of the Beast as a tangible figure, symbolizing the boys' descent into irrationality and chaos. The island therefore becomes a visual representation of the battle between civilization and savagery, emphasizing the allegorical nature of the novel. Characters as Symbols Another important aspect of Lord of the Flies as an allegory is the characters themselves, who symbolize different aspects of humanity. nature and society. Ralph, the protagonist, embodies the qualities of leadership, reason and democracy. His attempts to establish order and a system of rules on the island represent the struggle to maintain civilization in the face of chaos. For his part, Jack represents the darker side of human nature, characterized by savagery and the desire for power. As the novel progresses, Jack's obsession with hunting and control leads him to form his own tribe, which ultimately leads the boys to descend into violence and anarchy. Jack's transformation from a disciplined altar boy to a bloodthirsty dictator illustrates the destructive potential that lies within individuals. Additionally, the character of Simon can be seen as a Christ-like figure, symbolizing spirituality and morality. His encounters with the "Lord of the Flies", a pig's head impaled on a stick, highlight the inner battle between good and evil in everyone. The brutal murder of Simon by the other boys represents the rejection of moral values ​​and the triumph of evil. By using these characters as symbols, Golding effectively explores the complexities of human nature and the inherent struggle between order and chaos, emphasizing the allegorical nature of the novel. .ConclusionIn conclusion, Lord of the Flies is a powerful allegorical novel that delves into the, 2003.