The term describes a crackling or rattling sound. In the context of William Golding’s novel, this auditory phenomenon specifically refers to the sounds produced by the growing fire on the island, often described as the crackling of burning wood. These noises contribute to the sensory details of the setting, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The sound serves as a constant reminder of the boys’ attempts to maintain a signal fire and a connection to civilization.
The auditory element holds significance within the narrative because it symbolizes the boys’ hopes for rescue and their struggle against the descent into savagery. A strong, consistently crackling fire signifies order, hope, and a connection to the adult world. Conversely, a diminished or extinguished fire, and thus the absence of this aural cue, represents dwindling hope, loss of control, and the increasing influence of primal instincts among the stranded boys. Historically, the control of fire has always been linked to societal advancement and survival; in the novel, this association is deliberately echoed.
