The fire going out in William Golding's Lord of the Flies is a profound symbol representing the loss of hope, the breakdown of civilization, and humanity's descent into savagery. It marks a critical turning point where the boys abandon their connection to the adult world and surrender to their primal instincts.
The Fading Beacon of Rescue and Hope
Initially, the signal fire is the boys' primary link to rescue and the outside world. It embodies their collective hope and the remnants of their desire to return to civilization. When the fire goes out, especially due to negligence, it directly symbolizes:- Loss of Hope for Rescue: The extinguished flames signify the boys' dwindling belief that they will be discovered. This loss removes a crucial external motivator for maintaining order and acting rationally.
- Abandonment of Responsibility: The failure to keep the fire lit highlights a collective failure in responsibility. It shows the boys, particularly the hunters, prioritizing immediate gratification (like hunting) over the long-term goal of rescue, reflecting a regression from an organized society.
The Collapse of Civilization and Order
The signal fire is not just about rescue; it's a collaborative effort that requires discipline, foresight, and shared purpose—all hallmarks of a functioning society. Its demise reflects:- Breakdown of Rules and Structure: The initial enthusiasm for maintaining the fire quickly wanes as the boys lose interest in the rules established by Ralph. The fire's extinction is a visible sign that the fragile structure of their makeshift society is crumbling.
- Triumph of Anarchy: As the fire goes out, so too does the last vestige of democratic process and the collective good. It paves the way for Jack's autocratic rule and the unchecked rise of chaos and violence.
Descent into Savagery and Primal Instincts
While the fire, when out of control, comes to symbolize danger, destruction, and savagery, its complete extinction due to neglect reinforces an even deeper surrender to primal instincts. When the fire disappears:- Embrace of the Wild: Without the fire as a symbol of civilization and a tool for rescue, the boys fully embrace their wild environment. They become more like the beasts they hunt, shedding their humanity.
- The Reign of the Beast: The absence of the fire leaves a void that is filled by the "beast"—the inherent evil and primal savagery within the boys themselves. There is no longer a light to ward off the psychological darkness.
The table below summarizes the symbolic journey of the fire in Lord of the Flies:
| Stage of Fire | Symbolism | Implication for the Boys |
|---|---|---|
| Lit (Controlled) | Hope, Rescue, Civilization, Order, Connection to the Adult World | Shared purpose, attempt at society, adherence to rules |
| Out of Control | Danger, Destruction, Savagery, Unchecked Power | Loss of control, early signs of primal urges, foreshadowing violence |
| Extinguished | Loss of Hope, Breakdown of Civilization, Abandonment of Responsibility, Full Descent into Savagery, Anarchy | Complete surrender to primal instincts, irreversible shift from human to beast-like behavior |
Ultimately, the fire going out is a stark and chilling symbol of humanity's innate capacity for evil when the constraints of society and moral responsibility are removed. It signifies the boys' complete detachment from their former lives and their grim transformation into savage beings.
