How Does Golding Use Imagery In Lord Of The Flies

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In this drawing, Jack, wearing a hunting mask, is being burnt by a bonfire, representing the conflict between him and Ralph and his descent into savagery. It also depicts the reality that Jack is losing civilization's influence on him. This is demonstrated when Golding writes: “Jack was bent double. He was down like a sprinter, his nose only a few inches from the humid earth”. This quote illustrates a metaphor that describes Jack as an animal stalking his prey rather than a boy; Jack's actions also show his instincts, when he moves "dog-like" and is "uncomfortably on all fours." This shows the savageness that the boys show as they live on the island. Furthermore, in the drawing Jack is wearing the beast's mask; the beast instills fear into …show more content…

However, the beast symbolizes the dark side of human nature: “But you can feel as if you were not hunting, but being hunted; as if something is behind you all the time in the jungle.” This is dramatically ironic because the boys believe that there is an actual beast, but in reality, Jack was the beast all along. The bird perched on the side of the drawing serves as a powerful commentary on Ralph's struggle. Unlike the active, predatory Jack, the bird represents a more passive, observant nature. This reflects Ralph's tragic flaw – his inability to fully confront the savagery rising around him. The quote "Rescue" Yes, of course, I do! All the same, I would like to catch a pig first," perfectly captures this internal conflict. While Ralph clings to the hope of rescue (symbolized by the bird's desire to fly away), he becomes distracted by the immediate need for food (hunting the pig) – a representation of his struggle to maintain order in chaos. Furthermore, it is demonstrated in the photo that Jack’s face is blurred, showing his savagery and how he is forgetting the goal; to be rescued, and focusing on power and dominance over