What does wizard mean in Lord of the Flies? If you’ve read William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, you might have noticed some unusual language and slang used by the boys on the island. One word that stands out is “wizard,” which pops up several times in their conversations. But what exactly does “wizard” mean in the context of this novel? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the boys use the word “wizard” and what it reveals about their backgrounds, personalities, and culture.
What does wizard mean in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, the word “wizard” is a British slang word used by the boys on the island. It doesn’t refer to a magical person like in fantasy stories but instead means something like “great,” “cool,” or “excellent.”
For example, early in the novel, when Ralph blows the conch and gathers the boys together, one of them says:
“‘We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us—’ He beamed at Ralph. ‘That was what you meant, didn’t you? That’s why you got the conch out of the water?'” “‘Wizard.'”
Here, “wizard” is used by Piggy as an enthusiastic way of saying Ralph had a great idea. The boys are using language from their life back in England, and “wizard” is just their way of expressing excitement or approval.
So in Lord of the Flies, “wizard” simply means something is impressive or exciting to the boys—it’s one of several bits of British schoolboy slang Golding uses to make their dialogue realistic.
What does creeper mean in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, “creeper” refers to the long, tangled vines and plants that grow all over the island. When the boys first arrive, they talk about having to push through “creepers” as they move through the jungle. It’s just their word for the thick, trailing plants they find in the wild environment around them.
Who says Wacco Wizard Smashing?
In Lord of the Flies, after reaching the top of the first cliff and seeing the view, some of the boys excitedly exclaim, “Wacco,” “Wizard,” and “Smashing!” They use British slang to show how impressed and happy they are. The book doesn’t name exactly which boys say each word, but it’s clear that these exclamations come from the group of boys in reaction to their excitement and enjoyment at exploring the island.
Conclusion
To sum it up, when the boys in Lord of the Flies say “wizard,” they’re just using a British slang word to show that they think something is cool, exciting, or impressive. This bit of language helps remind us that, even as they struggle to survive, these are still ordinary schoolboys with their own way of speaking. The use of “wizard” adds a little authenticity to their dialogue and gives us insight into their background and culture.