Student Question
In Lord of the Flies, what does Roger's double-edged stick reveal?
Quick answer:
Roger's double-edged stick in Lord of the Flies symbolizes the inherent danger and violence within the boys' society. It represents the conflicts and threats they create, highlighting that their actions endanger both themselves and their intended victim, Ralph. This is evident when the boys use the spear to hunt Ralph, inadvertently setting the forest on fire, which threatens their own survival by destroying vital resources. The symbol underscores the theme of self-destructive violence.
What does Sam's statement "Roger sharpened a stick at both ends" signify in Lord of the Flies?
In "Lord of the Flies" Golding uses many objects as symbols,such as the spear.The spear can be interpreted as a symbol that reminds the reader of the conflicts the boys have created for themselves.This spear symbolizes the danger that is directed to both groups of boys,equally capable of affecting the side that points it or is its target.The time it is created and used is significant as well.The boys are hunting Ralph with that spear which is a direct threat to him,but in that hunt, they set fire to the forest to try and lure Ralph out.What they don't realize is that by setting that fire,they are putting themselves in the line of danger just as much as Ralph.Besides the fact that they could die from the fire,they are also destroying valuable resources they have such as the fruit they must eat to survive.A lesson the author may be trying to get across is that by trying to harm someone else,you are simply harming yourself.
Ross, Jeremy. "GradeSaver: Lord of the Flies - Study Guide." www.gradesaver.com. 21 August 2008. GradeSaver. 21 August 2008<http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/titles/lordflies/section14.html>.
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