Effect of the Mask

'Beside the pool his sinewy body held up a mask that drew their eyes and appalled them. He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling. capered toward Bill, and the mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.' - Lord of the Flies Passage #4 Pg. 58.

The main symbol which I found in this passage was the mask. It showed me so much, and helped me understand everything that was happening with Jack. The effect of the symbol was when Jack put it on. Things changed imminently, feelings, actions, and thoughts. His 'bloodthirsty snarling' showed us how he has changed from a rude and inconsiderate boy, to a monster, not caring what wrong he did to anyone. His thoughts must have been all about power and pride. His feelings were only ones of hate. He was the only one the mask affected in such a way. Jack hid behind the mask, he was no longer himself. 'Liberated from shame and self-consciousness' described very well what was yet to come. With this mask Jack has the power to do anything he pleases. He will be a huge threat to Ralph or anyone who stood in his way of his wishes. This manner will not be unnoticed by anyone. He now can kill if he chooses without the feeling or guilt or regret. Without the mask he already felt the fright and pain of others, now with the mask he has the feeling that he can not be punished for his actions. He can feed his ego from the other boys' pain and misery.The mask is a very important key to the whole book and to Jack's character. A person may put on a mask to try to hid their self, but instead their true self from deep down inside comes out. Therefore with a mask, you are not hiding, but releasing your real identity.

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