Face Paint Symbolism In Lord Of The Flies
"Lord of the Flies" is a novel written by William Golding. The book is about a group of young boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island and their journey of survival. One of the most prominent symbols in the book is the face paint that the boys use. The face paint represents different things throughout the book and is used by the author to convey various themes and ideas.
The Beginning of Face Paint
At the beginning of the book, face paint is introduced as a way for the boys to camouflage themselves from the pigs they are hunting. This use of face paint shows the boys' need for survival and their desire to fit into their new environment. It also foreshadows the boys' descent into savagery later in the book.
The Transformation of Face Paint
As the book progresses, the use of face paint transforms from a survival technique to a symbol of power. The boys who wear face paint become the leaders of the group, and the others look up to them. This change shows how power can corrupt people and how it can change the way they see themselves and others.
The Division of Face Paint
The use of face paint also represents the division between the boys. The group that wears face paint becomes the "hunters" and is more savage than the others. This division shows how quickly people can turn on each other and how easy it is for a group to become divided.
The Loss of Innocence
The face paint also represents the loss of innocence in the book. The boys start off innocent and use the face paint as a way to blend in with their surroundings. However, as the book progresses, the face paint becomes a symbol of their savagery and their loss of innocence. This loss of innocence shows how easy it is for people to become corrupted and how hard it is to maintain one's morals in a harsh environment.
The Importance of Appearance
The face paint also represents the importance of appearance in society. The boys who wear face paint are seen as powerful and dominant, while the others are seen as weak and inferior. This shows how appearance can play a big role in how people are perceived, and how it can affect their social status.
Conclusion
The use of face paint in "Lord of the Flies" represents various themes and ideas throughout the book. It shows how power can corrupt people, how easy it is for a group to become divided, the loss of innocence, the importance of appearance, and the need for survival. The face paint is a powerful symbol in the book and is used by the author to convey his message to the readers.