Personification in Lord of The Flies: Giving Life to Inanimate Objects

Imagine a world where objects come to life, where they possess human-like qualities and engage in conversations. This is the world of personification, a literary device that endows inanimate objects with human characteristics. In William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, personification serves as a powerful tool to convey the inner struggles and primal instincts of the characters. Through personification, Golding breathes life into the island, the conch shell, and the beast, allowing them to symbolize deeper meanings and contribute to the overall theme of the novel. This essay will explore the multiple instances of personification in Lord of the Flies, analyzing their implications and shedding light on the human condition.

The Island: An Enigmatic Persona

From the very beginning, the island is personified as a living, breathing entity. Golding describes it as a "coral island" with "palm trees" and "bright sand" (Golding 9). The island's personification serves to create a sense of beauty and tranquility, luring the boys into a false sense of security. As the story progresses, however, the island's persona evolves. It becomes a character in its own right, influencing the boys' behavior and tempting them towards savagery. Golding personifies the island when he writes, "the forest breathed" and "the creepers flicked" (Golding 45). These descriptions not only depict the island as alive but also imply a sinister presence, foreshadowing the chaos to come.

The personification of the island highlights the theme of the novel: the inherent darkness within human nature. Just as the island tempts the boys with its allure and gradually transforms into a malevolent force, so too do their inner desires and primal instincts emerge. The island's personification serves as a constant reminder that even in a seemingly idyllic setting, the potential for evil lies dormant within each individual.

The Conch Shell: A Voice of Authority

Another significant instance of personification in Lord of the Flies is the conch shell. Found by Ralph and Piggy, the conch shell becomes a symbol of order and civilization. Golding writes, "Piggy knelt down and the unbroken conch held up to Ralph" (Golding 16). The personification of the conch shell is evident in its ability to "hold up" and convey authority. It becomes a voice of reason and democracy, as whoever holds the conch shell has the right to speak.

The personification of the conch shell represents the fragility of civilization and the struggle for power. Initially, the conch shell unites the boys and establishes rules, but as the story progresses, its power diminishes. The conch shell is personified as it "whispered" and "roared" (Golding 51), symbolizing the fading influence of order and the rise of chaos. By personifying the conch shell, Golding emphasizes the transient nature of civilization and the inevitable descent into savagery.

The Beast: A Terrifying Imagination

One of the most prominent examples of personification in Lord of the Flies is the beast. Initially, the beast is an imagined threat, a source of fear and paranoia among the boys. Golding personifies the beast when he writes, "the beast was on its knees in the center, its arms folded over its face" (Golding 89). This personification humanizes the beast and intensifies its terrifying presence.

The personification of the beast represents the manifestation of the boys' inner fears and the dark side of human nature. The beast becomes a symbol of the boys' descent into savagery and their inability to confront the true source of evil within themselves. By personifying the beast, Golding highlights the destructive power of fear and the human inclination to project our own darkness onto external entities.

Conclusion: The Enigmatic Power of Personification

Personification in Lord of the Flies serves as a powerful tool to convey deeper meanings and explore the human condition. Through personification, the island, the conch shell, and the beast take on a life of their own, symbolizing the inherent darkness within human nature, the fragility of civilization, and the destructive power of fear. Golding's use of personification not only adds depth to the story but also engages the reader on a visceral level, evoking emotions and provoking contemplation.

In conclusion, personification in Lord of the Flies serves as a literary device that enhances the reader's understanding of the novel's themes and characters. By breathing life into inanimate objects, Golding creates a vivid and evocative narrative that resonates with readers. The personification of the island, the conch shell, and the beast provides a lens through which we can examine our own human nature and confront the inherent darkness that lies within us all.

Bibliography

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Penguin Books, 1954.