The scar in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a significant symbol introduced in the opening chapter. While initially ambiguous, its meaning becomes clearer as Ralph and Piggy, the first two boys we meet, discuss their arrival on the island. This scar, a gash cut through the dense jungle, is more than just a physical mark; it represents the destructive forces of civilization and foreshadows the conflict and savagery that will unfold.
The Scar’s Physical Description and Origin
Golding describes the scar as a “bath of heat,” a clearing of broken trees and tangled creepers where sunlight penetrates the thick jungle canopy. Ralph and Piggy’s conversation reveals its origin: the crashed remains of the plane that brought them to the island. Piggy recalls seeing flames erupting from the other part of the plane as they descended, confirming that the wreckage tore through the jungle before being dragged out to sea by a storm.
The Symbolism of the Scar
The scar symbolizes the destructive impact of the adult world and its inherent violence on the pristine island paradise. The plane crash, a result of the war raging beyond the island, leaves a permanent mark, mirroring the societal flaws that the boys carry within them. The scar’s presence foreshadows the boys’ own descent into savagery and the eventual destruction of their fragile attempt at civilization.
The scar’s size is also telling. Ralph stands on his head within it, highlighting its significant breadth. This emphasizes the scale of the disruption caused by the crash and, symbolically, the magnitude of the societal breakdown that will occur among the boys.
The Scar as Foreshadowing
The scar acts as powerful foreshadowing. Just as the plane violently disrupted the island’s natural beauty, the boys will eventually disrupt their own social order. The scar prefigures the emotional and physical scars they will inflict upon each other and the island itself as they succumb to their primal instincts. The initial act of destruction – the plane crash – sets the stage for the escalating violence and savagery that will define the boys’ experience.
Conclusion: The Scar’s Lasting Impact
The scar in Lord of the Flies is a crucial symbol that operates on multiple levels. It is a physical manifestation of the plane crash, a representation of the destructive forces of the adult world, and a potent symbol of foreshadowing the boys’ descent into chaos. The scar serves as a constant reminder of the inherent fragility of civilization and the destructive potential that lies within human nature.
