What is Lord of the Flies an allegory for? William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is more than just a story about boys stranded on an island—it’s an allegory, meaning it uses characters and events to represent bigger ideas. In this article, we’ll explore what Lord of the Flies is an allegory for and what deeper meanings Golding wanted readers to understand through the novel.
What is Lord of the Flies an allegory for?
Lord of the Flies is an allegory for the conflict between civilization and the desire for power. At its core, the novel uses the boys’ descent into savagery on a deserted island to explore how society’s rules can quickly break down when confronted with primal instincts.
Golding shows this theme through Ralph’s attempts to maintain order and build a civilized community, contrasted with Jack’s growing obsession with hunting and control. One key quote from the book is when Ralph reminds the group:
“The fire is the most important thing on the island. How can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don’t keep a fire going?” This shows his focus on civilization and being rescued.
On the other hand, Jack reveals his hunger for power and disregard for rules:
“Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong—we hunt!”
As their society falls apart, Golding demonstrates how quickly the desire for authority and dominance can overpower efforts to work together peacefully. The island becomes a microcosm for human society, showing how civilization is fragile and easily lost when selfishness and power take over. In this way, Lord of the Flies serves as an allegory warning about what can happen when our darker instincts go unchecked.
What does Lord of the Flies symbolize?
The Lord of the Flies symbolizes the devil and evil. It represents the dark, wild, and violent side inside the boys, encouraging them to give in to chaos and savagery.
What is Ralph an allegory for in Lord of the Flies?
Ralph is an allegory for civilization and democracy in Lord of the Flies.
Is Lord of the Flies a religious allegory?
Yes, Lord of the Flies can be seen as a religious allegory, with many Biblical references and themes that reflect Christian ideas and stories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lord of the Flies is an allegory for the struggle between civilization and the desire for power. Through the boys’ descent into savagery, Golding shows how thin the line is between order and chaos, revealing how easily society’s rules can fall apart when faced with our most basic instincts.