Why is the title Lord of the Flies? William Golding’s classic novel “Lord of the Flies” is one of modern literature’s most widely read and studied books. The novel’s title, “Lord of the Flies,” has been a subject of much debate and speculation in literary circles. Many readers, critics, and scholars have tried to interpret the meaning behind the title, and there are several theories as to why Golding chose this particular title for his book.
Why is the title Lord of the Flies? (Answer)
One commonly advanced interpretation is that the title “Lord of the Flies” refers to Beelzebub or the Devil. In biblical tradition, Beelzebub was known as the “Lord of the Flies” and was associated with the prince of demons. The term “Lord of the Flies” is used in the novel to describe the pig’s head that the boys impale on a stick as an offering to the “beast.” The pig’s head, which is covered in flies, becomes a symbol of evil and corruption, representing the boys’ descent into savagery and chaos.
Another interpretation of the title is that it refers to the boys themselves, who then become the “Lord of the Flies.” The boys, stranded on a deserted island without adult supervision, are forced to fend for themselves and create their own society. As time passes, the boys become increasingly savage and brutal, and their actions are driven by their primal desires and instincts. The title “Lord of the Flies” suggests that there is a devil in all of them and that this inner darkness influences their actions.
What does the Lord of the Flies symbolize?
The Lord of the Flies symbolizes various aspects throughout the book. At first, it represents the physical manifestation of the beast, which is feared by the boys on the island. Additionally, it serves as a symbol of the power of evil that exists within each individual. The Lord of the Flies can also be seen as a Satan figure, evoking and amplifying the innate primal instincts and darkness present within every human being.
What does the Lord of the Flies communicate to Simon?
The Lord of the Flies communicates a dark truth to Simon, revealing that the evil and destructive nature resides within every human being. It speaks to him in the voice of a schoolmaster, representing authority and knowledge, taunting Simon with the idea that there is no escape from this inherent darkness.
What is the beast in Lord of the Flies?
The beast in Lord of the Flies represents the primal instinct of savagery that exists within all human beings. It symbolizes the dark and destructive forces that can emerge when civilization and societal norms are stripped away, revealing the innate brutality and violence that lies dormant within individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the title “Lord of the Flies” is significant because it represents the book’s central theme, which is the inherent evil in human nature. The term “Lord of the Flies” refers to Beelzebub or the Devil, and in the story, we see that the Lord of the Flies is in all the boys. It shows that there was a devil in all of them that eventually led them into savagery and chaos. Golding’s choice of title is a powerful metaphor for the darkness that lies within us all, and the potential for evil that exists in every human being.