What is the scar in “Lord of the Flies”?

In William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," the scar is a physical feature of the island, caused by the crash of the plane that left the boys stranded. It is a long strip of crushed trees and bushes that runs through the jungle and down to the beach. The scar symbolizes the boys' violent intrusion into the natural world and their destruction of it.

As the story progresses, the scar takes on deeper meaning, representing the boys' increasing savagery and their descent into darkness. When the boys first arrive on the island, the scar is seen as a potential source of rescue, a place where they might be spotted by passing ships or planes. However, as the boys' behavior becomes more violent and primal, the scar is forgotten and left to heal on its own. It is a powerful symbol of the boys' loss of civilization and their descent into savagery.

One notable quote about the scar comes from the character Ralph, who observes: "That's where the plane crashed. No light there. We'll have to stay here till we're rescued." This quote emphasizes the boys' hope for rescue and their initial belief in the power of civilization to save them. As the story progresses, however, the scar becomes a reminder of the boys' isolation and the reality of their situation. The scar, then, is a key symbol in "Lord of the Flies," representing the boys' loss of innocence and the violent nature of humanity.