Chapters 7-9 in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies are crucial in that they introduce a key quote in story. In fact, this quote and idea is so significant and such a central theme that the entire book was named after it. The quote “They were black and iridescent green and without number; and in front of Simon, the Lord of the Flies hung on his stick and grinned” (Golding 152) is the first point in the novel that introduces the idea of a physical manifestation of the “Lord of the Flies” (152) as a symbol.
The “Lord of the Flies” (Golding 152) refers to the head of a pig on a stick that is surrounded by a swarm of flies feasting on it. This symbol and thus quote are so important that I believe Simon’s encounter with the “Lord of the Flies” (157) is the most integral part of the story so far. The “Lord of the Flies” (157) refers to itself as “the Beast” (158) and it can be inferred from this that the “Lord of the Flies” (158) is actually a symbol for the evil and barbaric instincts that lie within all humans. The “Beast” (158) also suggests that “I’m part of you” (158) which further shows that this evil and despicable “Lord” (158) is an evil instinct or force rearing its head and confronting Simon.
Furthermore, when the beast tells Simon that “You know perfectly well you’ll only meet me down there” (Golding 158) it can be inferred that this “Lord of the Flies” (152) is actually the devil himself and that in fact, this scene is an allusion to a biblical idea. The “Beast” (158) is the devil confronting and tempting Simon (who could be representative of Jesus) just as in the New Testament of The Bible. Jesus was tempted by Satan when he spent forty days in the wilderness fasting and in prayer just as the pig is tempting and mocking Simon and calling him “a silly little boy” (157) and threatening him to not “try to escape” (158) from the evil within him “or else-“ (158). This quote is an integral part of the story and provides further insight into one of the main themes of the novel: the evil that lies within us all.
1 comment:
I agree with your idea of this quote being very crucial to the story. "In Simon's right temple, a pulse began to beat on the brain" (Golding 152) shows how there is fear of the Lord of the Flies, but is also intrigued by it. When the Lord talks to him, "Simon [moves] his swollen tongue but [says] nothing" (157) and confirms the anticipated astonishment of the one who calls himself "the beast" (158).
The discovering of the Lord of the Flies establishes foreshadowing that leads to the evil and barbaric instincts in humans. The Lord says "I'm warning you" (158) and "You're not wanted" (158) which show that there could be something that happens to Simon because of the Lords influence on the kids. The beast also directly points out who will cause the event. The beast says, "We shall do you. See? Jack and Roger and Maurice and Robert and Bill and Piggy and Ralph. Do you. See?" (159) This foreshadows the fact that the rest of the kids get tricked into thinking that Simon is the beast, and they kill him.
The "beast" (158) could represent the devil, but Simon could represent almost anyone, such as Adam and Eve. The devil tempts them and forces them to commit a sin. Simon could also represent the others, in how they are tempted by the beast, and follow through with their plan or killing the beast.
I really agree with your thoughts on this matter of the quote establishing the meaning and theme of the book "The Lord of the Flies", and how temptation and ones nature is a danger to all.
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