Lord of the Flies - Symbolism: Assemblies

Symbolism Essay: Assemblies Symbolism is a writing technique found in literature, poetry and life. Many authors use symbolism in stories to help indicate one of the main themes in the stories. The definition of an assembly is: The name given for the democratic meeting sessions held for the group when led by Ralph. William Golding, the author of Lord of the Flies, uses the symbol of the assemblies to represent not just civilization and order, but the political parties in the world. Near the end of the story, this symbol changes, and there are no longer any assemblies, which is the main reason of why the story falls apart in the end. The first time that the assemblies come up is at the beginning of the story, when Ralph and Piggy wash up on the beach and find the conch shell. Piggy suggests to Ralph that he use to shell as a horn to see if there are any other survivors. Another example of the assemblies in Lord of the Flies is in chapter 8, when Jack blows the conch to discuss the beast found on top of the mountain. This is the last time that there is an assembly before the group splits up. In the first example at the beginning of the novel, the symbol is mainly connected to Ralph, since he is the chosen leader and the one that blows the conch shell. However, the assemblies are connected to all of the boys in a way because during these moments the decisions are made. In the second example, the symbol is connected more to Jack because he is the one that calls the assembly, and when it doesn't go his way he leaves. The symbol represents order, rules and civilization. Whenever an assembly is called, Ralph is clearly in charge afterwards and has the power in the group. The exception to this is when Jack calls an assembly in chapter 8. As we continue on through the story, the tension between Ralph and Jack and their want for being in charge affects the assemblies. We realize the the assemblies are leaning towards representing a political party.