Why was it called Lord of the Flies? William Golding’s classic novel “Lord of the Flies” is a dark and thought-provoking tale about a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island. First published in 1954, the book remains a staple of high school English curricula and has been adapted into several films and stage productions. However, one question that often arises is why the book was titled “Lord of the Flies.”
Why was it called Lord of the Flies? (Answer)
Simon calls the severed pig’s head the “Lord of the Flies” because it’s covered in flies. This moment is significant in the book because it marks the beginning of Simon’s descent into madness and his realization that the true enemy on the island is not a physical beast but instead the boys’ own primal and violent nature.
But why, then, did Golding choose this title for the book as a whole? The answer lies in the symbolism of the pig’s head and what it represents.
The boys’ descent into savagery is illustrated throughout the book by their treatment of animals, particularly pigs. At first, hunting and killing pigs is a game to them, a way to assert their dominance over the island and feel a sense of power. But as they become more savage and lose touch with their civilized selves, their treatment of the pigs becomes increasingly brutal and violent.
The pig’s head represents the boys’ descent into violence and savagery. It is a physical manifestation of their primal instincts, desire for power and control, and willingness to harm others to achieve it. By calling the book “Lord of the Flies,” Golding brings this symbolism front and center, highlighting the boys’ primitive violence and the danger it poses to their survival.
What was Lord of the Flies originally called?
Lord of the Flies was originally called “Strangers From Within.”
What does the Lord of the Flies symbolize?
The Lord of the Flies symbolizes several things in the novel. Firstly, it represents the physical manifestation of the beast, instilling fear and chaos among the boys. Secondly, it serves as a symbol of the power of evil, tempting and corrupting the boys as they succumb to their savage instincts. Lastly, it embodies a kind of Satan figure that brings out the beast within each human being, highlighting the inherent darkness that exists within us all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the title of “Lord of the Flies” refers to the pig’s head covered in flies that Simon encounters on the island. However, this moment is significant because it represents the boys’ descent into savagery and the danger their primitive instincts pose to their survival. Golding chose this title to bring this symbolism front and center and highlight the book’s dark and thought-provoking themes.