- The boy with the "mulberry colored birthmark": A seemingly inconsequential "youngin," this six-year-old first introduces the idea of the "beastie" (aka, the "snake-thing"). He ostensibly dies in the enormous forest fire the boys set off.
Key Things and Moments
- Piggy's Glasses: Used to start the fire, Piggy's glasses also symbolize his wisdom and ability to "see" the "proper" thing to do. Keep an eye (pun intended!) on them throughout the story as their symbolic value will continue to grow.
- The Beastie: A product of the younger children's fear of the dark, the Beastie or "snake-thing" does not physically exist in real life (unlike in Lost!). However, it is an important symbol of the evil lurking in all human beings and our inherent fear of our own potential for violence.
- The Uncontrolled Fire: The boys make their first fire (to signal passing ships). However, it rages out of control. This first specific fire symbolizes the destructive power of human kind. Without rules, according to Golding, we rage out of control.
- Fire (in general): Fire in the book symbolizes the potential and desire for rescue from the island. Notice which characters are interested in keeping the signal fire going and which are more interested in hunting... this will play an important role in the allegory.
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