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1. 
   parkerlee Teacher
   

   Apart from the natural cycle of day and night, the other element of darkness is the interior of the island itself. It is a wild, jungle-like biotope and very aptly represents the more savage, instinctive side of man. Note that Jack and his hunting gang automatically gravitate towards it whereas the more "civilized" group of boys huddle together for security on the beach. The boys have a hard time finding a balance between these two extremes, and finally the wild, 'survival of the fittest' side wins out.

   An interesting side note is that at one point Ralph takes refuge in the underbrush when the boys are hunting him out. In this case, the obscurity the dense foilage offers represents protection and temporary security in a hostile environment.

   The final "darkness" on the island comes from the wildfire on the mountain. Ironically, it is the smoke from the fire which attracts the attention of a passing ship and is the reason why the boys were ultimately saved. Paradoxically, it represents both destruction and a means of escape. The boys' distress is finally recognized and they are literally saved from themselves.

    

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/flies-salem/lord-flies-0175000410

   http://www.enotes.com/flies-salem/lord-flies-0300100650

   http://www.enotes.com/flies/summary

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   Posted by parkerlee on Monday February 16, 2009 at 10:24 PM
   
   

2. 
   smallbutstrong93 Student
   High School - 10th Grade

   Darkness is often a symbol of evil. The darkness that is said to be creeping over the island is a reference to the evil that is evolving inside each of the boys.

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   Posted by smallbutstrong93 on Saturday February 21, 2009 at 8:49 AM