Lord of the Flies LESSON 2: SYMBOLISM WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015
Allegory + Symbolism What is an ALLEGORY? A figure of rhetoric The use of symbols to portray a moral or message Fables or parables are short allegories with one definite message Example: The Boy Who Cried Wolf In this fable, the boy is an allegory for children who do not tell the truth and are not believed in the end
Allegory vs. Symbol Allegory VS. Symbol They are similar, but an allegory is sustained longer, and is more fully detailed. Example: In LOTF, Piggy s glasses symbolize intellect and knowledge. Example: In LOTF, the allegory of Piggy s glasses express the eventual and unavoidable decline of mankind when faced with terms of survival.
Allegory ConKnued The Role of an Allegory Allegories were the method of choice for educakon many years ago. Why? Entertainment Easy to remember = Easy to pass on Underlying principles were used for teaching lessons
LOTF: Last of the Allegories The Decline of the Allegory We are a LITERALISTIC CULTURE grounded in an era of INSTANT GRATIFICATION (that including the informakon we receive). We are Kred of figuring out the message, rather, we want it clearly delivered upfront. Proves why allegories are difficult to comprehend LOTF is one of the last novels to have substankal allegories
LOTF: Last of the Allegories Allegory Exposed in LOTF Poli%cal Allegory (think: WWII, atomic destruckon) Psychological Allegory (think: human psyche) Religious Allegory (think: Garden of Eden, Christ- like characters, God VS. Satan)
LOTF: Last of the Allegories PoliBcal Allegory The world was divided into camps : (Allies vs. Axis in WW2; Free World VS. Soviet Union in Cold War). Which characters represent these two camps?
LOTF: Last of the Allegories Psychological Allegory Freudian Understanding of the Human Psyche: The Id: The part of the unconscious mind that works to grakfy its own impulses. Character? The Superego: Part of the mind that seeks to control impulsive behavior (of the Id). Character? The Ego: Part of the mind that mediates between the Id s demand for pleasure and the controlled thoughts of the Superego. Character?
LOTF: Last of the Allegories Religious Allegory The Garden of Eden = the island Describes the perfect living condikon with food/water, good weather, etc. Favorable details show its (close- to) perfect state: UTOPIA. Golding portrays this Eden with a sense of evil at the same Kme to create a foreboding of something terrible. The island ends up in a state of misery: DYSTOPIA.
LOTF: Last of the Allegories Religious Allegory Piggy = the fall of mankind Lord of the Flies = Satan/evil (living inside mankind) Simon = quiet/observer; always does good to benefit others (li]luns); used as the sacrificial lamb; he is the Christ- like symbol. His encounter with the Lord of the Flies is important because it represents something pure/good VS. evil in its worst form (Satan).
LOTF: Last of the Allegories Name Meanings Ralph = Anglo- Saxon word meaning, council Piggy = vulnerability comparable to vulnerability of pigs on the island; how much the other boys dislike him because of his intelligence (pigs = smart) Jack = Hebrew word, Yakov, meaning one who deceives or one who takes over Simon = Hebrew word, one who listens, one who observes, was one of Christ s disciples Roger = famous with the spear Satan = Greek name translated to = Beelzebub = translated to Lord of the Flies (the pig s head surrounded by flies)
A symbol is An object that represents a greater idea An icon (picture) that stands for a bigger meaning
Even toddlers recognize common symbols
Groups use symbols For example
We use symbols when texkng to represent larger thoughts
Color oven symbolize moods..
What might these colors symbolize?
Red?
How about a pink ribbon?
What s the difference?
Specific Symbols in Lord of the Flies Conch Glasses Fire Lord of the Flies Mask Beast Flies Island Darkness Mountain Forest Beach Dead pilot Castle Rock Scar
LOTF: Last of the Allegories TASK 1: Lord of the Flies is an Allegorical Novel. What do the following represent? (Provide textual evidence.) Ralph/Piggy/Simon/Jack/Roger/Conch/Glasses/Island/Beast/Lord of the Flies TASK 2: Answer the following queskon using textual evidence and be prepared to discuss with the class: What happens literally to the boys, and what is the author saying metaphorically about the structures of civiliza%on? TASK 3: Debate the following hot topic in your group and be prepared to discuss with the class: Is man born with an innate sense of good or an innate sense of evil?
Group Project Time Post your summary before you leave today.