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Symbols In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

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Award-winning author William Golding wrote various prized novels of his time. A famous allegorical novel, Lord of the Flies, published September 17, 1954, is one he is best known for. It takes us on a journey to explore the characteristics of a true leader and to discover the effects of evil in society. The novel uses a vast variety of symbols to convey its various themes and ideologies. One of the most prominent symbols dispersed throughout the novel is Piggy’s glasses. In the text, the narrator expresses how: “Piggy shook his head, put on his flashing glasses, and looked down at Ralph” (Golding 15). This shows how the glasses are used to symbolize his insight. Anytime before speaking, Piggy wipes his glasses or readjusts them and when he is amidst a ponder, he takes them off and rubs them. The glasses …show more content…

At first, he is seen as quiet and shy, but as the story grows, Simon grows and opens up. We begin to see him displayed as the inherent good and peace. While the boys attempt to explain the beast and what it is, the text mentions: “Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind's essential illness” (Golding 89). As Simon is unable to explain the innate evil, it depicts him as an inherently good and comforting character. Giving more to the pureness of the boy, Simon also hands out the suggestion that the beast could be in their minds or surreal. Along with being used to display goodness in society, Simon is utilized by Golding as a speaking tool. Simon eerily suggests: "What I mean is... maybe it's only us" (Golding 107). While Simon attempts to explain the innate evil of the beast, Golding speaks through him to suggest that the beast could be one of the boys, or in their minds. Simon goes on to mumble, “I don’t believe in the beast” (Golding 105). This shows the author reiterating the idea that the beast does not truly exist. In this way, Simon is used to display the author’s themes and

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In this quote simon the odd boy has an idea ““What I mean is . . . maybe it’s only us”...simon inarticulate in his efforts to express mankind's essential illness”-89 Simon was the only boy who at this point didn't believe in the beast. The quote illustrates the picture that there is no beast. Simon is the only boy who at this point doesn't believe in the beast as an physical being, but within the boys. Simon tries to express this further but is intimidated by the boys and sits quietly.

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