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The paint symbolises the savagery which Jack's tribe has descended into. The face paints are real, made of earth, and their effect is real too. The paint serves to reduce the boys to almost animal like status, concerned with the basic fundamentals of life, killing, eating and shelter from wild beast and 'enemies.' Ralph's desire for smoke is insubstantial and it represents something insubstantial too, the possibility of rescue and the return to a so-called civilised world.

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15y ago

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The fire, (according to my advanced language teacher), is supposed to represent civilization among the boys and unity, but it also represents savagery among them as well. Hope that helps (?) :)

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14y ago
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Q: What does the smoke symbolize in Lord of the Flies?
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