What does the pig head symbolize in 'The Lord of the Flies'?

Answer 1

The pig's head on a stick is an offering to the beast. By making this offering Jack raises the 'beast' to the status of a primative god which must be placated by offerings. This return to a prehistoric tribal culture heralds the death of civilisation. The pig's head therefore symbolises the end of rational thinking and the dominance of the dark and savage side of the boys' natures.

Answer 2

It highlights how the boys are becoming uncivilised, mostly Jack and Roger.

It can be an idea of crowd mentality as when Jack does it, it triggers the rest of them to congratulate him for what he has done, which leads to the chant.

It shows hints of the boy's becoming sadists as Roger sticks a spear up the pigs bum in order to cause pain.

Another interpretation of this can be that the pig can foreshadow Piggy's death as their names are similar and the pig is vulnerable, just like Piggy.

Answer 3

The pig head, known as the Lord of the Flies, symbolizes the inherent evil and darkness within humanity. It serves as a representation of the boys' descent into savagery and the loss of civilization as they become more disconnected from societal norms and morals.

Answer 4

The pig's head, or the Lord of the Flies itself, is a symbol of evil. It symbolizes isolation, savagery and appeasement.

Answer 5

it symbolizes evil that is inside of everyone, but sometimes people just have to go through long and painful experiences to bring out the worst.

Answer 6

It served as a symbol of the power of evil of the boys. When it talks to Simon, he is the only boy to realize that the beast is real, and the beast is the fear inside if them.