Piggy's Glasses Symbolism: Insight into The Fragility of Civilization

Imagine a world where the faintest glimmer of hope lies within a pair of glasses. In William Golding's iconic novel, Lord of the Flies, Piggy's glasses serve as a powerful symbol, representing not only the boys' reliance on technology but also the fragility of civilization. Through the lens of Piggy's glasses, Golding explores themes of power, knowledge, and the inevitable descent into savagery. This essay will delve into the symbolic significance of Piggy's glasses, analyzing their role as a tool for survival, a source of insight, and a reflection of the boys' increasing detachment from civilization.

Throughout the novel, Piggy's glasses play a pivotal role in the boys' survival on the deserted island. As the only means of starting a fire, the glasses become a symbol of hope and rescue. Without the fire, the boys would have little chance of attracting the attention of passing ships or planes. Golding emphasizes this importance when he writes, "Piggy sought in his mind for words to convey his passionate willingness to carry the conch against all odds" (Golding 45). Here, the glasses, represented by Piggy's passionate willingness, become a symbol of the boys' determination to be rescued and maintain a sense of civilization in their lives. The glasses, therefore, symbolize the boys' reliance on technology and their desperate quest for survival.

While the glasses serve as a tool for survival, they also provide the boys with a unique perspective on their surroundings. Piggy, being the only character in possession of glasses, possesses a clearer vision of reality. This is evident when he exclaims, "How can you expect to be rescued if you don't put first things first and act proper?" (Golding 45). Here, Piggy's glasses symbolize the clarity of thought and rationality that is essential for maintaining a civilized society. The boys, on the other hand, are blinded by their primal instincts and their desire for power. The contrast between Piggy's clear-sightedness and the boys' blurred vision highlights the symbolic significance of the glasses as a source of insight into the true nature of humanity.

As the story unfolds, the boys become increasingly detached from the rules and order of civilization. This detachment is symbolized by the treatment of Piggy's glasses. Initially, the boys handle the glasses with care, recognizing their importance for survival. However, as their descent into savagery progresses, they begin to disregard Piggy's pleas to handle his glasses delicately. Golding writes, "Piggy, for all his ludicrous body, had brains. Ralph was a specialist in thought now, and could recognize thought in another" (Golding 71). Here, the mistreatment of Piggy's glasses reflects the boys' gradual detachment from the rationality and intellect that define civilization. The glasses, once a symbol of hope and order, now represent the disintegration of the boys' morality and their surrender to their primal instincts.

In conclusion, Piggy's glasses in Lord of the Flies symbolize the fragility of civilization. They serve as a tool for survival, providing the boys with the means to be rescued and maintain a sense of order. Additionally, the glasses offer insight into the true nature of humanity, contrasting Piggy's clarity of thought with the boys' blurred vision. Lastly, the treatment of the glasses reflects the boys' detachment from civilization, as they succumb to their primal instincts. Through the symbolism of Piggy's glasses, Golding highlights the delicate balance between order and chaos, reminding us of the inherent vulnerability of civilization in the face of human nature.

Bibliography:

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Faber and Faber, 1954.