In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the animal hunted by the boys on the island functions as a multifaceted symbol representing various abstract concepts. Initially, the act of hunting provides sustenance and a sense of accomplishment for the stranded boys. However, the pursuit and eventual killing of the creature quickly evolve into a ritualistic obsession. The prey itself becomes a focal point for the boys’ descent into savagery. It morphs from a source of food into an object of primal instinct and violent gratification. The increasing brutality associated with the hunts reflects the gradual erosion of civilization and the rise of inherent darkness within the boys.
The symbolic weight of the animal’s role is significant in understanding Goldings commentary on human nature. The repeated hunting and consumption of the animal are linked to the loss of innocence and the dominance of base instincts. This transition marks a pivotal point in the narrative, emphasizing the fragility of social order when confronted with fear, isolation, and the allure of power. The act embodies the primal urges that exist beneath the surface of civilized behavior and the ease with which they can overwhelm reason and morality.
