Major Works Data Sheet Title: Lord of the Flies Author: William Golding Date of Publication: September 17, 1954 Genre: Fiction, Allegory, Coming-of-age, Adventure Biographical information about the author Historical information about the period of publication Though it’s not specified, one can be led to believe the story takes place in a near future; during a fictional atomic war. Characteristics of the genre: Describe the author's style William Golding utilizes a straightforward writing style. Loads of the story is allegorical: the characters and objects in the novel are implanted with symbolic importance that shows central themes and ideas. In the portrayal of the ways by which the boys become accustomed to their …show more content…
This symbol is evident from the beginning: when the boys use Piggy’s glasses lenses to focus sunlight and create a fire. When Jack’s hunters steal the glasses, the savages take their power to make fire, leaving Ralph’s group without help. The Conch Shell- It’s a symbol of civilization that governs the boys’ meetings (who holds the shell can speak), political validity and democratic rule. The conch shell loses its power and influence over the boys as their island civilization deteriorates and they fall into savagery. The smashing of the conch shell symbolizes the demise of the civilized instinct within a majority of the boys on the island. The Signal Fire- It burns on the mountain and the beach; to grab the attention of passing ships that could potentially save the boys. As a result from this, the signal fire assumes the role of a barometer of the boys’ connection to civilization. In the beginning of the story, the fact that the boys maintain the fire is a sign that they want to be saved and go back into society. When the fire burns low or goes out, it’s noticeable that the boys have lost their hopes to be rescued and have accepted their wild lives on the island. The signal fire functions as a measurement of the strength of the civilized instinct remaining on the island. At the end of the novel, ironically, a fire finally brings a ship to the island, but not the signal fire. Instead, it is the fire of savagery—the forest fire Jack’s gang starts as part of his quest to hunt and kill