Lord Of The Flies Chapter 11 Quote About Face Paint
Introduction
Lord of the Flies is a novel written by William Golding that was published in 1954. The book is about a group of boys who get stranded on an uninhabited island and their attempt to govern themselves. The novel explores the dark side of human nature and how it can be brought out in extreme situations. One of the most significant themes of the novel is the use of face paint to conceal one's identity and the symbolic meaning behind it.
The Quote
In chapter 11 of the novel, the boys are engaged in a violent and savage ritualistic dance around a fire. They are all wearing face paint, which has become a symbol of their descent into savagery. The quote that is significant in this chapter is, "He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger" (Golding, 157). This quote refers to the character of Jack, who is one of the main antagonists in the novel. Jack has become so consumed by his desire for power and control that he no longer recognizes himself when he looks in the mirror. The face paint has transformed him into a savage, and he has lost touch with his former self.
The Symbolism of Face Paint
The use of face paint in the novel is symbolic of the boys' descent into savagery. In the beginning, the boys use face paint to conceal their identity and to feel a sense of freedom from their former lives. However, as time goes on, the face paint becomes a symbol of their loss of identity and their complete immersion into the savage lifestyle. The face paint also represents the boys' desire to fit in with the group and to conform to the expectations of their peers. It is a way for them to let go of their inhibitions and to embrace their primal nature.
The Significance of the Quote
The quote, "He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger" is significant because it highlights the psychological impact that the face paint has had on Jack. He has become so consumed by his desire for power that he no longer recognizes himself. The face paint has transformed him into a savage, and he has lost touch with his former self. The quote also emphasizes the theme of identity that runs throughout the novel. The boys are struggling to maintain their sense of identity in the face of the extreme circumstances they find themselves in. The face paint is a physical manifestation of this struggle.
The Dark Side of Human Nature
The use of face paint and the descent into savagery is a metaphor for the dark side of human nature. The novel explores how the veneer of civilization can be stripped away in extreme situations, leaving only the primal instincts of human beings. The boys are forced to confront their inner demons and to come to terms with the fact that they are capable of unspeakable acts of violence. The face paint is a symbol of this descent into savagery and the loss of humanity.
The Importance of the Novel
Lord of the Flies is an important novel because it explores the darkest aspects of human nature. It is a warning about what can happen when the veneer of civilization is stripped away, and people are left to their own devices. The novel emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of morality and humanity in the face of adversity. The use of face paint is a powerful symbol of the loss of identity and the descent into savagery that can occur when people are pushed to their limits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lord of the Flies is a novel that explores the darkest aspects of human nature. The use of face paint is a powerful symbol of the loss of identity and the descent into savagery that can occur in extreme situations. The quote, "He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger" is significant because it highlights the psychological impact of the face paint on the character of Jack. The novel is an important warning about the dangers of losing touch with one's humanity and the importance of maintaining a sense of morality in the face of adversity.
