Fire

• Ralph has thought the signal fire, a symbol of civilisation, was the only way to lure the rescuers to the island --> shows unity on the island through coordinated efforts Ironically, although its a fire that lures a boat to the island, it isn't ordered or controlled and was solely set to kill Ralph and any last remaining sense of civility --> unordered savagery

  These parallels implies the two are closely connected, and blurs the line between civilisation and savagery
• Represents both hope and destruction. Initially is acts as a signal for rescue, later it becomes a destructive force.

  
  

  The boy's obsession with hunting and violence often leads to the neglect of the fire: emphasises the tension between the ideals of civilisation and the descent into barbarism/ anarchy
• later on in the novel, the fire acts as a loss of hope --> as the fire becomes uncontrollable it makes the turning point in the story, highlighting the boys growing detachment from civilised behaviour
• initially acts as a beacon of hope for the boys

  "We can help them to find us. If a ship comes near the island they may not notice us... We must make a fire" (Ralph) --> represents the boy's communication with the outside world; is a physical manifestation of their desire to be rescued and return to the order and safety of society
• maintains semblance of order and civilised behaviour- gives reason for group coordination, and acts as a reminder that they haven't been completely severed from the civilised world (still a chance of rescue)