What does impalpable mean in Lord of the Flies? If you’ve come across the word “impalpable” while reading Lord of the Flies, you might wonder exactly what it means. In the novel, “impalpable” describes something that can’t be sensed or touched, which is something that’s impossible to physically feel. William Golding uses this word to create a sense of mystery and show how some things on the island are difficult for the boys to grasp or understand.
What does impalpable mean in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, “impalpable” means something that can’t be felt or touched, which is incapable of being perceived by the senses, especially touch. Golding uses this word to describe things that are hard to define or grasp physically. For example, when describing the heat and the atmosphere on the island, he writes:
“With impalpable organs of sense they examined this new field.”
Here, “impalpable” helps show how some experiences or feelings on the island are difficult for the boys to truly understand or physically feel. It captures the mysterious and sometimes overwhelming nature of their surroundings and emotions.
What does palpable mean in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, “palpable” means something that can be felt or touched, either physically or in a more emotional sense. When Golding uses this word, he’s often describing feelings or tensions on the island that are so strong, it almost seems like you could reach out and touch them.
What does opaque mean in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, “opaque” means something that is not transparent or hard to see through. Golding uses this word to describe objects or areas on the island, like the thick jungle or murky water, that block light and make it difficult for the boys to see what’s ahead, adding to the sense of mystery and danger in their surroundings.
What does the beast symbolize in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, the beast symbolizes the darkness and savagery within each of the boys. It represents their fears and the evil that exists inside everyone, rather than an actual creature on the island. The more the boys believe in the beast, the more their behavior becomes wild and violent, showing how their inner fears can take over and lead to chaos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “impalpable” in Lord of the Flies means something that can’t be physically felt or sensed, especially by touch. Golding uses this word to describe the mysterious and hard-to-define aspects of life on the island, reminding us that not everything the boys experience can be seen or touched because some things are simply beyond their senses.