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The Island
The tropical island, with its bountiful food and untouched beauty, symbolizes paradise. It is like a Garden of Eden in which the boys can try to create the perfect society from scratch. read analysis of The Island
The Lord of the Flies (the Beast)
The "Lord of the Flies," or the beast, inhabits the severed pig head that Jack's hunters stake into the ground and leave as an offering. Simon recognizes that the Lord of the Flies is… read analysis of The Lord of the Flies (the Beast)
The Conch Shell
The conch shell symbolizes the rule of law and civilization. It's used to call assemblies and as a kind of microphone that grants the right to speak to whomever holds it during assembly. read analysis of The Conch Shell
Piggy's Glasses
By allowing the boys to create fire, the first necessity of civilization, Piggy's glasses represent science and technology, mankind's power to transform and remake their environment to best suit its needs. read analysis of Piggy's Glasses
Fire
Fire is a complicated symbol in Lord of the Flies. Like the glasses that create it, fire represents technology. Yet like the atomic bombs destroying the world around the boys' island, fire is a… read analysis of Fire
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Adults
Adults symbolize civilization and social order to the boys. But to the reader, the world war raging outside the island makes it clear that the adult "civilization" is as savage as the boys' "civilization" on… read analysis of Adults
The Scar
A rip in the forest caused by the crash landing of the boys' plane on the island. The scar symbolizes that man, and his savage nature, destroys paradise merely by entering it. read analysis of The Scar
The Ocean
The ocean symbolizes the unconscious, the thoughts and desires buried deep within all humans. read analysis of The Ocean
