Allegory and Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

Allegory – a story being told on two levels

Psychological allegory

• Id – seeks pleasure with no regard to cost

• Superego – internal censor; concerned only with what is “right”

• Ego – mediates between the id and the superego

Historical/Political allegoryDemocracy vs. Totalitarianism

• Democracy = Britain and the U.S.• One leader who listens to advisors

• Totalitarianism = “Iron Curtain”• One leader who may use enforcers

Religious Allegory

• Garden of Eden• The serpent• Cain and Abel• Christ figure• Ba’alzevuv

Symbols

• Glasses• Conch• Island• “The Scar”• The Beast• The Lord of the Flies• Fire• Knife