Lord Of The Flies Symbolism

William Golding's Lord of the Flies is an interesting work of ideas abundant with meaningful symbolism and affirmations that coincide with the thinking of multiple theorists; however, the novel best illustrates the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes. As Hobbes believes, humans will become increasingly disobedient and violent with the absence of laws (Hobbes). Eventually, they will become entirely combative and chaotic. It is through the boys' actions and behaviors that the validity of Hobbes' thoughts are proven: the spiral of one into full ruthlessness is inevitable as soon as a system of law and order has been removed. Golding's portrayal of Jack Merridew's increasing hostility and belligerence as the story progresses exemplifies Hobbes's thoughts

As the gruesome brawl was detailed, "Someone tripped over Ralph and Piggy's corner became a complication of snarls and crashes and flying limbs. Ralph hit out; then he and what seemed like a dozen others were rolling over and over, hitting, biting scratching" (Golding 167). Later on, the scene shifts to Ralph's camp watching Jack's in the distance stating, "He was a chief now in truth; and he made stabbing motions with his spear. From his left hand dangled Piggy's broken glasses" (Golding 168). It is clear that Jack has fully transitioned to the point where he is now using physical violence towards the other humans on the island, instead of his usual aggressiveness towards pigs. He has strayed from using simple reasoning and logic to survive and now uses blatant savagery and brutality as his main motivation. This is last demonstrated in his eventual attempt to hunt Ralph as well. He secretly visits Jack's camp to see Samneric, who were forced to join him after many menacing threats. As they told him before he was forced to leave, "Roger sharpened a stick at both ends" (Golding 190). The actual manhunt then proceeds soon after. As recounted precisely, "Once more the invisible group sniggered. He heard a curious trickling sound and then a louder crepitation as if someone were unwrapping great sheets of cellophane. A stick snapped and he stifled a cough. Smoke was seeping through the branches in white and yellow wisps, the patch of blue sky overhead turned to the color of a storm cloud, and then the smoke billowed round him" (Golding 194-195). Through one small occurrence, it is expressed that he ordered Roger to sharpen a stick at both ends to administer the same treatment that the Lord of the Flies (the dead sow's head) was given during the hunting process to Ralph. He also leads his tribe across the island in search of Ralph himself, burning the