Lord Of The Flies Chapter 11 Quote About Face Paint
Introduction
Lord of the Flies is a novel written by William Golding that explores the dangerous consequences of a group of young boys being stranded on an uninhabited island. As the story progresses, the boys begin to lose their sense of civilization and revert to their primal instincts. One of the key themes in the novel is the idea of identity and how it can be influenced by the environment. This is particularly evident in Chapter 11, where the boys' use of face paint becomes a symbol of their descent into savagery.
The Quote
The quote in question comes from Chapter 11 of the novel and is spoken by Piggy. He says, "What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages? What's grownups going to think? Going off-hunting pigs-letting fires out-and now!" This quote is significant because it highlights the conflict between the boys' desire to maintain their sense of humanity and their growing inclination towards savagery.
The Symbolism of Face Paint
Throughout the novel, the boys' use of face paint becomes a symbol of their loss of identity and descent into savagery. At first, the face paint is used as a way to camouflage themselves while hunting pigs. However, as time goes on, the boys begin to wear it constantly and use it to intimidate each other. The face paint becomes a way for the boys to shed their sense of individuality and become a part of the group.
The Importance of Identity
The quote from Piggy is significant because it highlights the importance of identity in the novel. The boys are struggling to maintain their sense of humanity in the face of their harsh environment, but their use of face paint shows that they are becoming more and more savage. The face paint becomes a way for the boys to shed their sense of individuality and become a part of the group, but in doing so, they are losing their sense of self. This is a powerful commentary on the dangers of conforming to societal norms without questioning their validity.
The Influence of Environment
The quote from Piggy also highlights the influence of environment on identity. The boys are constantly struggling to adapt to their harsh surroundings, and their use of face paint is a way for them to cope with the stress of their situation. However, as they become more and more savage, their environment begins to shape their identity in dangerous ways. This is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a sense of self in the face of adversity.
The Danger of Conformity
The use of face paint in Lord of the Flies is a powerful commentary on the dangers of conformity. The boys are so desperate to fit in with the group that they are willing to shed their sense of individuality and become a part of the mob. This is a dangerous mentality that can lead to violence and destruction. The quote from Piggy is a reminder that it is important to question societal norms and maintain a sense of self, even in the face of pressure to conform.
The Importance of Self-Reflection
Finally, the quote from Piggy highlights the importance of self-reflection. The boys are so focused on their immediate needs and desires that they are unable to see the bigger picture. Piggy's question about what the grownups will think is a reminder that the boys are not alone on the island and that their actions have consequences. This is a powerful reminder that it is important to take a step back and reflect on our actions and their impact on others.
Conclusion
The quote from Piggy in Chapter 11 of Lord of the Flies is a powerful commentary on the dangers of conformity and the importance of maintaining a sense of self in the face of adversity. The boys' use of face paint becomes a symbol of their loss of identity and descent into savagery, highlighting the influence of environment on identity. Ultimately, the quote is a reminder that it is important to question societal norms and maintain a sense of self, even in the face of pressure to conform.
