In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the frequent references to Ralph’s fair hair serve multiple purposes. Firstly, Ralph’s physical appearance, particularly his fair hair, sets him apart from the other boys on the island and suggests an air of innocence and purity. Golding uses this imagery to align Ralph with traditional notions of goodness and civility, especially in contrast to the darker aspects of human nature that emerge throughout the story.
Moreover, Ralph’s hair is symbolic of his initial leadership status and connection to civilization. His fair hair can be interpreted as a representation of hope and order, qualities that he tries to maintain as he struggles to lead the group. In a way, it acts as a physical marker of his authority and the societal norms that the boys initially try to uphold.
As the narrative progresses and the boys descend further into chaos and savagery, Ralph’s hair, along with his struggle to retain his leadership, highlights the loss of innocence and the conflict between civilization and barbarism. The emphasis on his fair hair thus serves a deeper thematic purpose, illustrating the fragility of civilization and the ease with which it can collapse under the weight of primal instincts.