Symbols

The beast represents fear. Fear of themselves and each other. The littluns have a series of nightmares that involve a beastie. Simon suggested it is not an animal but a characteristic. The characteristic of each boy slowly changes, they went from innocent school boys to savages. The character that sticks out the most is Jack, the other boys either decided it is foolish and makes no sense, or think there's a possibility of "it" being real. But not Jack, instead he says that no matter what it is he's going to kill it. But what if he realizes that the beastie is really in each of them, will he still kill it? That’s what the other boys haven't processed or realized yet.

The fire represents hope, hope for being rescued. The fire is in the top of the mountain, which is also the highest and most visible point. When the ship past by some of the boys were excited, their freedom was here. That was until they realized the fire was out. The most important job wasn’t completed, the first true sign of hope was taken. No one knows how long it will be until another ship passes by, or if another ship will pass by. Their hope for freedom might as well be gone.

 

The face paint represents savagery. It hides humanity and civilization. As mentioned in the first paragraph each boy has slightly changed, some more than others. In the beginning they all decided to make sure they would protect and help each other. Not anymore … times have changed.