: Initially, they elect Ralph as chief and use a conch shell to establish a democratic system. Piggy , the intellectual of the group, provides rational advice.
The characters function as symbols for different aspects of human society: Lord of the Flies
William Golding's 1954 classic, Lord of the Flies , is a haunting exploration of human nature, civilization, and the inherent capacity for evil. Set against the backdrop of an unspecified nuclear war, it follows a group of British schoolboys stranded on a deserted tropical island. : Initially, they elect Ralph as chief and
After their plane is shot down, the boys attempt to govern themselves. Set against the backdrop of an unspecified nuclear
: Tension arises between Ralph, who focuses on building shelters and maintaining a signal fire for rescue, and Jack , who becomes obsessed with hunting and physical power.
: Just as Jack’s tribe hunts Ralph to kill him by setting the island on fire, they are "rescued" by a naval officer, a stark reminder that the adult world is also engaged in its own savage war. Key Characters & Allegories