12 Examples of Rhetorical Devices Throughout ”Lord of the Flies”

Chapter 1

On page 7, Ralph speaks to himself, ‘sounding the bass strings of delight,’ when he says ‘Wizzoh!’

This rhetorical device is an example of 50’s dialogue, equivalent to the word cool nowadays. This helps the reader in registering when the story of set ,and sums up Ralph’s feelings at the time.

Chapter 2

On page 37, Ralph is speaking to all of the boys on the island. Towards the end of his speech, he says ‘Stop!Wait!Listen!’

This is an example of tricolon ,and helps to portray his sense of urgency at the time.

Chapter 3

On page 48, Jack is described as ‘dog-like’ when following a trail.

This simile helps to give us the image of Jack, sweating and animal like.

Chapter 4

On page 61, Golding writes ‘when the sun sank, darkness dropped.

This is an example of alliteration, which strengthens the image of Darkness and evil.

Chapter 5

On page 96 ,Golding has written ‘The lightest thing was the pale beach’

This example of imagery helps us to recognise the growth and effect which darkness has on the island throughout the novel.

Chapter 6

On page 107, Golding writes ‘ The leaves were roaring like the sea.’

This personification of the leaves exaggerates their movement and gives them more effect, making them far easier to imagine.

Chapter 7

Ralph’s thoughts are spoken here by the narrative, not him. It says ‘He would have liked to have a pair of scissors and cut this hair- he flung the mass back- cut this filthy hair right back to half an inch.’

This repetition stresses the importance of these thoughts.

Chapter 8

Repetition is used again on page 158

This is when the Beast in Simon’s epiphany says ‘i’m warning you.I’m going to get waxy. D’you see? You’re not wanted. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island! So don’t try it on my poor, misguided boy, or else…’

Chapter 9

On page 165, personification is used for emphasis

‘Power lay in the brown swell of his forearms, authority sat on his shoulder and chattered in his ear like an ape.’

Chapter 10

In this chapter, motifs are used in the title, the shell and the glasses signifying different types of power. The glasses, power of wisdom, and the shell, power of leadership.

Chapter 11

In this chapter, Ralph becomes depersonalised at one stage ‘he opened the flap of his cheek’

Chapter 12

‘No fire, no smoke, no rescue.’ another example of tricolon, again used for emphasis