Quotes About The Face Paint In Lord Of The Flies
The Significance of Face Paint in Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies, a novel by William Golding, explores the descent of young boys into savagery after being stranded on an uninhabited island. One of the most striking elements of the book is the use of face paint by the boys. The face paint, which starts off as a way to camouflage themselves, quickly becomes a symbol of their descent into savagery. Here are some quotes that illustrate the significance of face paint in the novel:
"He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger. He spilt the water and leapt to his feet, laughing excitedly.'Stand still!' screamed Ralph, 'I'm painting your face!''Come on! Paint my face!' cried Jack, excitedly."
This quote, from Chapter Four, illustrates how the face paint initially brings joy and excitement to the boys. The face paint is seen as a way to transform themselves and become someone else. However, this excitement quickly turns to savagery.
"He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling. He capered toward Bill, and the mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness."
This quote, from Chapter Four, illustrates how the face paint allows the boys to shed their inhibitions and become savage. The face paint becomes a mask that allows them to act without fear of judgment.
"He looked in astonishment at Ralph, who stood by him, holding a stick of charcoal.'Shut up,' said Ralph absently. He lifted the conch. 'Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things.'"
This quote, from Chapter One, illustrates how the face paint becomes a symbol of power. After Jack puts on the face paint, he becomes more aggressive and starts to challenge Ralph's leadership. The face paint gives him a sense of authority and power over the other boys.
"The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness."
This quote, from Chapter Four, illustrates how the face paint becomes a way for the boys to distance themselves from their actions. The face paint allows them to become a different person, someone who is not held accountable for their actions.
"The mask compelled them."
This quote, from Chapter Five, illustrates how the face paint becomes a way for the boys to give in to their primal urges. The face paint becomes a symbol of their descent into savagery, and they become compelled to act on their primal instincts.
"The thing is-fear can't hurt you any more than a dream."
This quote, from Chapter Six, illustrates how the face paint becomes a way for the boys to overcome their fear. The face paint becomes a symbol of their power and authority, and they become fearless in the face of danger.
"The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness."
This quote, from Chapter Four, illustrates how the face paint becomes a way for the boys to distance themselves from their actions. The face paint allows them to become a different person, someone who is not held accountable for their actions.
"The painted savages appeared to him, carrying a long, wicked knife."
This quote, from Chapter Nine, illustrates how the face paint becomes a symbol of the boys' savagery. The face paint becomes a way for them to become more animalistic and violent, and they become a threat to the other boys on the island.
"The chief led them, trotting steadily, exulting in his achievement. He was a chief now in truth; and he made stabbing motions with his spear. From his left hand dangled Piggy's broken glasses."
This quote, from Chapter Eleven, illustrates how the face paint becomes a way for the boys to become more violent and aggressive. The face paint becomes a symbol of their power and authority, and they become more willing to use violence to achieve their goals.
"The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness."
This quote, from Chapter Four, illustrates how the face paint becomes a way for the boys to distance themselves from their actions. The face paint allows them to become a different person, someone who is not held accountable for their actions.
The Conclusion
The face paint in Lord of the Flies is a powerful symbol that illustrates the boys' descent into savagery. The face paint becomes a way for them to shed their inhibitions, become more violent and aggressive, and distance themselves from their actions. The face paint becomes a mask that allows them to act without fear of judgment, and it becomes a symbol of power and authority. Overall, the face paint in Lord of the Flies is a powerful symbol that illustrates the boys' descent into savagery and the loss of their innocence.