Lord of the Flies

1
Lord of the Flies

• Chapter One Analysis

2
Symbolism

• A. Conch
• Civilization order
• Power Ralph the chief
• B. Glasses (Piggys)
• 1. Theme of blindness/sight
• 2. Characterization of Piggy

3
Theme

• A. Need for civilization
• Pg. 14 We got to find the others. We got to do
  something
• B. Development of civilization
• Use of conch (pg. 16)
• Assemblage of boys
• Election of leader
• C. Existence of Power
• 1. Over nature (pg 29,30)
• 2. Over boys (pg 18,19)

4
Theme Contd

• D. Existence of blindness/sight (throughout)
• E. Fear of unknown (pg 31)

5
Analysis of CharactersRalph

• Extreme attractiveness
• what others say
• Narrator (pg 7,10)
• Piggy (pg 11)
• Youthful innocence
• What others say
• There was no devil (Golding 10)
• What character says
• No grownups! (Golding 8)
• What character does
• Stands on his head
• Strips off his clothes

6
Analysis of Characters

• Piggy
• All descriptions include reference to size
• The naked crooks of his knees were plump
  (Golding 7)
• All actions indicate social intimidation/
  gaucheness
• He wiped his glasses and adjusted them on his
  button nose He looked critically at Ralphs
  golden body and then down at his own clothes.
  (Golding 11)

7
Analysis of Characters

• Jack
• Ugly
• his face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly
  without silliness (Golding 20)
• Rude
• Youre talking too much, said Jack Merridew.
  Shut up, Fatty. (Golding 21)
• Fearful
• The pause was only long enough for them to
  understand what an enormity the downward stroke
  would beJacks face was white under the
  frecklesThey knew very well why he hadnt
  because of the enormity of the knife descending
  and cutting into living flesh (Golding 31)

8
Development of Conflict

• Means for survival
• Struggle for power Ralph vs. Jack
• Juxtaposition- pgs. 18-19
• Ralph controls little uns, Jack controls chorus
• Treatment of Piggy
• By Ralph
• By Jack

9
Significance of Setting

• War (pg 8,14)
• causes boys situation
• Represents turmoil of outer world- no real
  sanctuary
• Deserted island
• No civilization / no order
• Boat shaped -ancient symbol of civilization
• Children become essence of man- no outside
  influences on their becoming evil

10
Use of Devices

• Grotesque imagery (pg 10,19,20,29)
• Creates beginnings of savagery
• Heat imagery (pg 7, 14,throughout)- symbol of
  Hell
• Furthers idea of savagery
• Introduces idea of evil within all men