Question

In "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, how does fire (being a symbol) evolve/change?

Answer 1

Throughout the book, fire as a symbol contains both positive and negative meanings.

Explanation:

At the beginning of the book, fire is first seen in the first chapter by Ralph. It is made to seem almost like a bird or something similar, which gives it a sense of not being that serious.

Later on, fire becomes a positive symbol - perhaps of hope - for the boys when they manage to start one with Piggy's glasses. However, this turns for the worse relatively quickly when a spark catches the trees and (potentially, it is never actually stated or disproved) devours the young boy with the birthmark.

Fire plays a recurring role in the novel from then on, both good and bad.