Key Passage 2-3, Symbol

Between Key Passages 2 and 3, Golding writes an important paragraph about a littlun, Henry, and his footprints on the beach. "He became absorbed beyond mere happiness as he felt himself exercising control over living things. He talked to them, urging them, ordering them." The footprints symbolize the lack of control that Henry feels about his new life. By controlling "them", the creatures that were trapped in his footprints, Henry is relating to his old life and how much he misses it. His feelings are echoed by all the other boys.