Symbolism

Symbolism is defined by literarydevices.net as "the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense". Symbols have been used extensively throughout history, with every culture using symbols to some extent.

Common Examples of Symbolism
==Common examples of symbols that are encountered in everyday life include the crucifix representing Jesus Christ in Christianity, the dove symbolizing peace, roses symbolizing romance, etc. ==

Symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies'
Piggy's Glasses: Piggy's glasses represent advancement, discovery, and ingenuity. Later in the book, Jack punches Piggy in the face and breaks his glasses, reflecting the boys' lost civilization.

Pighunts: The Pighunts (especially the rape-y one that is graphically described) symbolize the boys' descent into savagery and bloodlust. Jack and the Hunters' need for the hunt is supposed to symbolize their evil to the reader.

The Signal Fire: In the beginning of the story, the boys all agree that the signal fire is a necessity. Eventually, Jack and his Hunters stop caring about the fire and prioritize the Hunt before it. The Fire symbolizes the boys' desire to be rescued. Eventually, it gives in to their bloodlust.

The Lord Of The Flies:  In what some consider the most horrifying and disturbing part of the novel, Simon eventually stumbles upon the Sow's head from the rape scene, which was impaled on a stick as an offering to the Beast. The Lord is described as a smiling pig's head covered in flies. Simon and the Lord Of The Flies converse, and the Lord tells Simon that evil lies within every human heart and that they'll have fun on the island. As Simon is representative of Jesus, The Lord is representative of Satan. In addition, 'Lord Of The Flies' is the English translation of Beelzebub, the name of a Biblical demon.