SWilliam Golding Contents Context Plot Overview Character List Analysis of Major Characters Ralph Jack Simon Themes, Motifs & Symbols Summary & Analysis Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Expand Important Quotations Explained Key Facts Study Questions & Essay Topics Quizzes Suggestions for Further Reading How to Cite This SparkNote Share this Sparknote Share on Twitter ← Back to Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quick Quiz 1. What do Piggy’s glasses represent? The power of the scientific and the rational Order and stability The potential energy of a system A longing for home and family 2. What does the novel suggest is man’s natural state? Defensive, timid, and non-confrontational Savage, cruel, barbarous At peace with life’s ambiguities Sensible, ordered, farsighted 3. What can civilization do about the instinct toward evil, according to the novel? Civilization is powerless to control our impulses. Civilization can completely eradicate the impulse toward evil. Civilization exacerbates our evil instincts. Civilization can help control our savage impulses. Advertisement 4. What serves as the measure of the boys' connection to civilization?
