Symbols and characters play a major role in the representation of power in literary works. Therefore, an author uses these “symbols of power” to control the characters and the overall flow of the work. In Lord of the Flies, symbols are both used by characters and standalone. The fire on the island is a double blade and the Lord of the Flies is hindering progress. Although these two symbols stand alone, the characters use them and are used by them. Ralph leads the boys toward advancement while Jack presents himself as his adversary, both using other symbols of power to help them. This article will be divided into nine paragraphs, including the opening and concluding paragraph. My opening paragraph will consist of a thesis sentence that sets the stage for seven body paragraphs. The first body paragraph will focus on how symbolism advances a story, whether the power it holds is for good or evil. The second body paragraph will be about the traffic light that towers over the boys on the island. The third body paragraph will focus on how the fire gave the boys hope. The fourth body paragraph will then focus on how the Lord of the Flies reinforces the madness and hinders the progress of the island. The fifth body paragraph will focus on Ralph's ability to progress. The sixth body paragraph will argue against this and focus on his fallibility in maintaining order. The seventh body paragraph will include Jack's constant need to oppose or be in control himself. Finally the conclusion will bring it all together, focusing on how the symbols guided the course of the book, mainly the traffic light. I will also discuss the importance of the symbols that appeared throughout the novel and how they would have been radically different, again primarily the traffic light. In m...... middle of paper ......e were avoided. However, they are in this story and shape it through horrific acts of violence and loss of spirit. Altogether, these symbols make Lord of the Flies a well-written story with the atrocities of man on every page. Works Cited "- him with the mark on his face I do not see. Where is he now?" (Golding 46). "The sticks fell and the mouths of the new circle cracked and screamed. The beast was on its knees at the center, arms crossed over his face He screamed against the abominable noise, something like a body on the hill. The beast struggled, broke the ring and fell over the steep edge of the rock to the sand at the edge. immediately the crowd rushed after her, poured themselves onto the rock, jumped on the beast, shouted, struck, bit, tore.. 157).