What does Roger symbolize Lord of the Flies? In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, Roger is a character who symbolizes pure evil. Throughout the novel, Roger’s actions demonstrate his lack of morality and willingness to commit violent acts without remorse.
What does Roger symbolize Lord of the Flies? (Answer)
One of the most significant examples of Roger’s evil nature is when he destroys the conch, which represents civility and order on the island. The conch symbolizes democracy and represents the boys’ attempts to establish a civilized society. When Roger destroys the conch with a boulder, he shows that he has no respect for order or democracy. He wants chaos and destruction.
Another example of Roger’s evil nature is when he murders Piggy. The murder is a Biblical allusion as Roger kills Piggy by smashing him with a rock. This act demonstrates how far gone Roger is in terms of morality. He has no qualms about taking another person’s life and does so without hesitation.
Furthermore, throughout the novel, Roger enjoys inflicting pain on others. He throws rocks at Henry but intentionally misses him because he enjoys seeing him scared. This behavior shows that he takes pleasure in causing harm to others.
What is an important quote from Roger in Lord of the Flies?
An important quote from Roger in Lord of the Flies is when he says, “There hasn’t been the trace of a ship. Perhaps we’ll never be rescued.” This quote highlights the growing realization among the boys that they may be stranded on the island indefinitely, emphasizing the increasing desperation and loss of hope they experience as their situation becomes more dire.
What archetype is Roger in Lord of the Flies?
Roger in Lord of the Flies can be seen as an archetype of the “shapeshifter”. Throughout the novel, he displays a duality in his character, portraying both a submissive and obedient side as well as a sadistic and violent nature. Initially, he follows the rules and obeys authority figures such as Ralph. However, as the story progresses and civilization deteriorates, Roger’s darker side emerges, revealing his willingness to inflict harm on others. This transformation from compliance to cruelty makes him a perfect representation of the shapeshifter archetype.
How does Roger change in Lord of the Flies?
Roger undergoes a significant transformation in Lord of the Flies, evolving from a seemingly obedient and reserved individual to a sadistic and brutal terrorist. Initially, he demonstrates signs of inherent cruelty when he throws rocks near Henry, intentionally avoiding hitting him but still relishing in the power and control it gives him. As the novel progresses and civilization erodes on the island, Roger becomes increasingly liberated from societal constraints. This freedom allows his true nature to emerge, as he revels in causing pain and fear. He eventually descends into darkness, willingly participating in Simon’s murder and later becoming one of Jack’s most ruthless followers.
How do others see Roger in Lord of the Flies?
Others see Roger in Lord of the Flies as a quiet and seemingly harmless boy but with a dark and cruel side lurking beneath the surface. He is initially portrayed as a follower, obedient to Jack’s commands, but as the story progresses, his sadistic tendencies become apparent. Roger enjoys inflicting pain on others and becomes increasingly brutal, ultimately causing the death of Piggy. His actions reveal the depths to which humanity can descend when stripped of societal norms and moral restraints.
Conclusion
In Lord of the Flies, Roger symbolizes pure evil through his actions and behavior toward the other boys on the island. His destruction of the conch and murder of Piggy demonstrates his lack of morality and disregard for order and civility. His enjoyment in causing pain to others further emphasizes his evil nature, making him one of the most memorable characters in literature as an embodiment of pure malevolence.