In William Golding’s classic novel “Lord of the Flies,” the parachute plays a significant symbolic role in the story. The parachute represents the end of adult supervision as the boys find themselves stranded on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. The image of the dead parachutist floating down in the parachute is a powerful metaphor for the loss of order and the increasing chaos that follows. As the law and order of the adult world begins to fade away, the childish and savage behavior of the characters takes center stage. The arrival of the parachute man in Chapter 6 also provides a turning point in the story, as Simon, one of the main characters, climbs the mountain to determine if the man is still alive. Simon’s connection to the parachute man highlights the importance of this symbol in the book and its impact on the development of the characters. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of the parachute in “Lord of the Flies.”
What does the parachute represent in Lord of the Flies? (Complete Answer)
In the author William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” the parachute is a powerful symbol that represents the end of adult supervision and the decline of law and order. The novel takes place on an uninhabited island where a group of British boys has been stranded after a plane crash. The arrival of the dead parachutist in Chapter 6 marks a turning point in the story. It is a visual representation of the loss of adult guidance and the descent into savagery and chaos that follows.
The presence of the dead parachutist in Lord of the Flies represents the decline of civilization, the horrors of war, and the rise of chaos on the island. The boys, who were once civilized and orderly, are now without any authority or guidance. Their behavior quickly becomes savage and unpredictable. The character of Jack, who rises to the position of leadership among the boys and uses fear and violence to maintain control, is a perfect example of this decline.
However, not all of the characters are completely consumed by the chaos. Simon, one of the main characters, has a special connection with the parachute man and is determined to find out if he is still alive. Simon’s journey to the top of the mountain to see the parachute man represents his quest for truth and his desire to understand the significance of the symbol. Similarly, Ralph and Piggy symbolize the conflict between civilization and savagery, and the effort to preserve order and humanity in the face of chaos and disorder.
The parachute, therefore, serves as a metaphor for the end of the adult world and the decline of civilization. It is a reminder of the fragility of order and the ease with which chaos and evil can take over. The parachute man symbolizes the loss of authority and the growing sense of confusion and uncertainty among the boys. Simon’s connection to the parachute man highlights the importance of this symbol in the novel and its impact on the development of the characters.
Why does the parachutist keep getting mistaken for the beast?
The dead parachutist being mistaken for the beast plays a crucial role in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies.” The boys, stranded on an uninhabited island, seek a sign from the outside world. However, the arrival of the dead airman was not what they had in mind. Instead of seeing him as a real human being, they perceive him as a manifestation of defeat, death, and decay.
The fear and uncertainty that the boys experience on the island lead them to imagine the presence of a beast that is terrorizing them. This fear is compounded by the arrival of the parachutist, whom they do not recognize as a dead human being but instead mistake for the beast they have imagined. The boys’ belief in the reality of the beast is further reinforced by the fact that they do not see the dead parachutist for what he truly is – a symbol of death and decay.
The parachutist being mistaken for the beast represents the growing fear and confusion among the characters. The boys’ misinterpretation of the parachutist highlights the theme of the decline of civilization, the increasing chaos on the island, and the “beast” within the boys. It also underscores the importance of understanding and interpretation in shaping one’s perception of the world.
Who found the dead parachutist in Lord of the Flies?
The twins Sam and Eric, known as Samneric, find the dead parachutist while tending to the signal fire. They mistake the parachutist for the beast and run back to warn Ralph and the other boys of the imagined beast.
Why did the parachute fall in Lord of the Flies?
The parachute in “Lord of the Flies” falls from the sky because it carries a dead airman, who was likely killed in a military operation. The airman’s body is attached to the parachute, which drifts down to the island where the boys are stranded. The arrival of the parachute and the dead airman are symbols of the outside world and the end of adult supervision, highlighting the theme of the decline of civilization and the increasing chaos on the island. The parachutist’s fall to the island represents the growing fear and uncertainty among the characters. It underscores the importance of understanding and interpretation in shaping one’s perception of the world. But because the dead parachutist likely died fighting in a war, it makes the reader question human nature and the innate savagery of mankind.
What are 3 symbols in Lord of the Flies?
“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding contains several important symbols in the novel’s themes and narrative. Here are three symbols in “Lord of the Flies”:
The Conch Shell: The conch shell is a powerful symbol of civilization and order. It represents the boys’ hope for rescue and symbolizes authority, as the person holding the conch has the right to speak. As the novel progresses, the power of the conch wanes, reflecting the decline of civilization and order on the island.
The Beast: The beast symbolizes the boys’ fear and the unknown. It represents the growing sense of terror and uncertainty among the characters. As the boys become more savage, the beast becomes a symbol of the darkness within them.
The Signal Fire: The signal fire symbolizes hope and rescue. It represents the boys’ desire to be rescued and their longing for the outside world. As the signal fire goes out, the boys’ hope for rescue diminishes, reflecting the decline of civilization and order on the island.
These symbols play an important role in the themes and narrative of “Lord of the Flies,” helping to convey the novel’s message and the characters’ experiences to readers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the parachute in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” represents the end of adult supervision, the horrors of war, and the decline of civilization. The image of the dead body flying in the parachute is a powerful metaphor for the loss of order, the end of rules-based society, and the increasing chaos that takes over the island. The character of Jack embodies this chaos, using fear and violence to maintain control over the other boys. However, Simon’s unique connection to the parachute man represents his quest for truth and understanding, highlighting the importance of this symbol in the novel. The parachute serves as a reminder of the fragility of order and the ease with which chaos can take over. It is a powerful symbol that underscores the theme of the decline of civilization and the growing sense of confusion and uncertainty among the characters.