What does the Lord of the Flies look like? In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, one of the most memorable and unsettling images is that of the “Lord of the Flies” itself. Readers often wonder exactly what this symbol of evil looks like in the story. In this article, we’ll explore how Golding describes the Lord of the Flies and what its appearance means for the boys on the island.
What does the Lord of the Flies look like?
The “Lord of the Flies” is the severed head of a pig mounted on a stick and left in a clearing as an offering to the imagined beast. The description in the novel makes it clear that this is a gruesome and disturbing object.
Golding describes it like this:
“The head remained there, dim-eyed, grinning faintly, blood blackening between the teeth.”
Another vivid description is:
“The Lord of the Flies hung on his stick and grinned at him. At last Simon gave up and looked back; saw the white teeth and dim eyes, the blood—and his gaze was held by that ancient, inescapable recognition.”
These quotes show that the Lord of the Flies looks both terrifying and almost alive, symbolizing evil and decay on the island.
What is the beast in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, the beast is partly seen as a savage supernatural figure, but it mostly symbolizes the evil and violence that can exist in every human’s heart. The name “Lord of the Flies” also refers to Beelzebub, another name for the devil.
What does the Lord of the Flies symbolize?
The Lord of the Flies symbolizes the devil and the evil within humans.
What does Simon look like?
Simon is small and skinny with a pointed chin. He has black hair, bright eyes, and tans easily.
What does Ralph look like?
Ralph is described as fair-haired, attractive, and athletic. He has a strong build and is one of the older boys on the island.
What does Piggy look like?
Piggy is short and overweight with asthma. He has glasses, wears his hair short, and is often described as awkward or clumsy.
Conclusion
In short, the Lord of the Flies is a gruesome pig’s head on a stick with bloody teeth and dull eyes. Its horrifying appearance is a symbol of the darkness and savagery taking over the island.