Lord of the Flies shows symbolism in many ways. The definition of symbolism is The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In other words, explaining a larger, more general topic by linking it with some type of symbol for a specific event in a book or poem. The amazing use of symbolism in the book is one of the big factors to the deepness of Lord of the Flies. This book is sprinkled with examples of symbolism, but the ones that stand out the most are: The breaking of Piggy’s spectacles, the representation of the littluns and Jack as the "people" and the government, and Simon’s conversation with the Lord of the Flies.
The breaking of Piggy’s spectacles meant much more than just breaking a pair of glasses. ‘Ralph made a step forward and Jack smacked Piggy’s head. Piggy’s glasses flew off and tinkled on the rocks. Piggy cried out in terror: “My specs!”’(Golding 100). This is somewhat of big deal in the book. The breaking of Piggy’s glasses symbolizes a mark at which real influence fades away as the story moves on. To understand this better, you must first know that Piggy is one of the more mature of all the boys. Looking back on the story, a reader can understand how this makes sense. After Piggy’s glasses are broken, the thing that holds the island people together begins to disappear and everything goes off course. This discussion is perhaps the single most important part of the story, and may also be the most difficult part to understand.
Another small, but important symbolization is the representation of the littluns as the "people", and Jack as the “government”. By using this symbol, the author tries to show what he feels is wrong with modern government. This symbolization is shown in the book by a statement made by Jack. ‘"What about the littluns?" "Sucks to the littluns!" "Somebody has to look after them" "Nobody has so far."’ (144). By this, the author makes reference to the “government” (Jack), and how government officials feel that without them the "people" (littluns) couldn’t function.
The most deeply symbolic event in the book, is Simon’s discussion with the pig’s head, or the Lord of the Flies. "…and his gaze was held by that ancient, inescapable recognition” (198). This statement is huge to understanding the theme of Lord of the Flies. What the author means, is the inescapable recognition of human possibilities for evil. And when the pig’s head said, "I’m part of you?", the author meant to show that the possibility for evil is in all of us (206).
The genius of the author, William Golding, can be clearly seen by looking at the book, Lord of the Flies, in a more usual way of thinking. To understand and enjoy this wonderful story, the reader must look at the deeper meaning of the book, rather than simply reading the book in a way that most people do. Because of the authors greatwe use of symbolism, we can see that the breaking of Piggy’s glasses, the representation of the littluns and Jack as the "people" and the government, and Simon’s conversation with the Lord of the Flies, mean much more than what they appear to be.
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