What is the symbolic significance of ‘fire” in “Lord of the Flies”?

Answer

 What is the symbolic significance of ‘fire” in “Lord of the Flies”? [2021, 2016]

Or, Discuss the use and significance of ‘fire’ in ‘Lord of the Flies’. [2018] ✪✪✪

William Golding (1911–1993), in his novel “Lord of the Flies” (1954), uses fire as a powerful symbol. It represents both hope and destruction. The boys’ use of fire reflects their fall from civilization to savagery. Golding uses it to show man’s dual nature.

Fire as a Sign of Hope: At first, fire symbolizes rescue and civilization. Ralph says they must keep it burning to attract ships. The boys use Piggy’s glasses to light it. It gives them hope of returning home. Ralph says, 

“The fire is the most important thing on the island.” 

Fire shows their connection with the civilized world. But their carelessness also kills a child. It shows that even hope can bring harm if misused.

Fire as a Measure of Civilization: The signal fire shows how civilized the boys are. When they work together, the fire burns bright. When they fight, it dies out. When Jack neglects the fire for hunting, Ralph becomes angry. A ship passes by, but there is no smoke. This marks their loss of discipline. Fire becomes a test of order. When the fire fades, their moral sense fades too. It shows how far they have moved from reason to wildness.

Fire as a Source of Destruction: In the end, fire becomes deadly. Jack and his tribe use it not for rescue but for revenge. They set the whole forest on fire to hunt Ralph. Ironically, that destructive fire brings a rescue ship. Golding shows that human knowledge, like fire, can destroy or save. The same symbol shows both civilization and chaos.

Thus, fire in “Lord of the Flies” stands for both hope and ruin. It begins as a sign of life and rescue, but ends in destruction. Golding illustrates mankind’s capacity for both creation and destruction.