Who is Johnny in Lord of the Flies? In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, many characters play big roles in the group’s struggle for survival, but even the smallest boys have their own impact on the story. Johnny is one of these littluns—actually, he’s the smallest among them. While he doesn’t get as much attention as the older boys, Johnny represents the youngest and most vulnerable members of the group. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Johnny is and what his character adds to the novel.
Who is Johnny in Lord of the Flies?
Johnny is one of the youngest and smallest boys stranded on the island in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Among the littluns, he is described as the tiniest, making him especially vulnerable in the harsh environment the boys face. Golding introduces Johnny early on with a simple but telling description: “He was well built, with fair hair and a natural belligerence” (Chapter 1).
Despite his size, Johnny sometimes shows flashes of temper and stubbornness, but he mostly blends into the background with the other littluns. He spends most of his time playing in the sand or crying when frightened, representing innocence and helplessness in the group. In moments of chaos or fear, like when Maurice and Roger destroy the littluns‘ sandcastles, Johnny is often among those affected: “Johnny was well built, with fair hair and a natural belligerence. Just now he was being tormented by a pair of smaller boys” (Chapter 4).
Though Johnny doesn’t play a major role in the novel’s main events, his presence underscores how even the youngest children are impacted by the breakdown of order and civilization on the island. As the smallest littlun, Johnny helps remind readers just how vulnerable and innocent some of these boys truly are amidst all the chaos.
What does Johnny look like in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, Johnny is described as “well built, with fair hair and a natural belligerence.” He quickly shows his feisty side by throwing sand in Percival’s face. Despite this toughness, he also has moments of vulnerability, such as when he starts crying after thinking Jack’s group might hurt Eric. Johnny’s appearance and actions show both his youthful energy and his fear in the midst of the island’s chaos.
What does Johnny symbolize in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, Johnny symbolizes innocence and vulnerability. As the smallest of the littluns, he represents the youngest children’s helplessness and how easily innocence can be lost or threatened when order breaks down on the island.
What are the littluns?
In Lord of the Flies, the littluns are the younger group of boys stranded on the island. They’re usually around six years old and are much less involved in decision-making than the older boys. The littluns spend most of their time playing, eating fruit, and being frightened by nightmares, representing innocence and vulnerability within the group.
What are the biguns?
In Lord of the Flies, the biguns are the group of older boys around whom most of the story revolves. This group includes Ralph, Jack, Piggy, Roger, Sam, Eric, and Bill. Simon, Robert, and Maurice are a bit younger than the others, but since they mostly interact with the biguns and play important roles in the main events, they fit best in this group too. The biguns are responsible for most of the leadership struggles and major decisions on the island.
Who is the smallest boy on the island in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, Percival is the smallest boy on the island. His small stature and vulnerability set him apart, especially because he’s often overwhelmed by homesickness and fear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Johnny might not have a big role in Lord of the Flies, but as the smallest of the littluns, he represents the youngest and most vulnerable kids on the island. His presence reminds us of just how fragile and innocent some of the boys are, even as chaos and fear take over. Johnny’s small role adds another layer to Golding’s exploration of innocence lost and the challenges faced by children when left without guidance or protection.