At the end of the book Simon and Piggy have died and only Ralph and Jack are left to fight each other. Ralph had always thought of the signal fire as a symbol of hope and rescue and the little civilization that was still left on the island, though the fire that is created in hope of killing Ralph is more of a war fire that ends up luring rescuers to the island. "The fire reached the coconut palms by the beach and swallowed them noisily. A flame, seeming detached, swung like a acrobat and licked up the palm heads on the platform." (Golding 206). This shows how seemingly simple a fire can be though it can still break apart a civilization and bring the boys back to reality. It shows the fire in a negative light, because it engulfs what is left of the island but it also brings the boys together. The fire is seen as the ultimate threat now that civilization is savaged. "Now the fire was nearer; those volleying shots were great limbs, trunks even, bursting." (Golding 203). Also after the fire destroys the island and Jack and Ralph are left to be rescued, Ralph emerges as the leader. " 'Who's boss here?' 'I am,' said Ralph loudly." (Golding 207). Ralph is finally recognized as the leader, and Jack realizes that he must agree to the circumstances.
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