The classic novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding has long been a subject of fascination and discussion among literary critics and readers alike. The book’s title, “Lord of the Flies”, refers to a crucial element of the story and represents the dark and savage nature of humanity. So why is the book called Lord of the Flies?
The term “Lord of the Flies” comes from a conversation between the character Simon and a pig’s severed head, which he calls by this name, presumably because it’s covered in flies. The title serves as a metaphor for the boys’ descent into savagery and the violence that takes hold on the island where they are stranded. This article will delve deeper into the meaning behind the title “Lord of the Flies” and explore how it relates to the book’s themes.
Why is the book called Lord of the Flies? (Complete Answer)
The title of the novel “Lord of the Flies” refers to a crucial aspect of the story. It represents the dark and savage nature of humanity. The term “Lord of the Flies” is derived from a conversation between the character Simon and a pig’s severed head, which he calls by this name, presumably because it’s covered in flies. This title serves as a metaphor for the boys’ descent into savagery and the violence that takes hold on the island where they are stranded.
The book tells the story of a group of boys who are stranded on a deserted island and must fend for themselves without the guidance of adults. As they struggle to survive, they slowly turn on each other, with primitive violence becoming a prominent feature of their society. The pig’s head, or the “Lord of the Flies”, symbolizes the boys’ loss of innocence and embrace of violence and savagery.
The term “Lord of the Flies” is a literal translation of the biblical term “Beelzebub,” which means “lord of the flies”. In the Bible, Beelzebub was considered a prince of demons and was associated with evil and corruption. Golding uses this metaphor to highlight the evil within all human beings, suggesting that society’s attempts to suppress these instincts are superficial.
The title “Lord of the Flies” also brings the boys’ primitive violence to the forefront. It serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature and the dangers that can arise when society is removed. Golding’s novel is a powerful commentary on the nature of man and the consequences of societal breakdown.
What does Lord mean in Lord of the Flies?
The term “Lord” in Lord of the Flies refers to the pig’s head Jack impales on a stick as an offering to the “beast.” The head becomes a symbol of the boys’ descent into savagery and is often referred to as the “Lord of the Flies,” which is a translation of Beelzebub, a name for the devil in the Bible. The pig’s head represents the evil that resides within the boys’ hearts and their rejection of civilization and moral values.
What do the flies in Lord of the Flies symbolize?
The flies in Lord of the Flies symbolize the decay and degradation of the boys’ humanity and civilization. The swarm of flies surrounding the pig’s head, known as the “Lord of the Flies,” represents the evil and darkness that is inherent in human nature, which the boys have succumbed to on the island. In this way, the flies serve as a reminder of the boys’ loss of innocence and their transformation into uncivilized savages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding is a powerful novel that explores the dark and savage aspects of human nature. The title refers to the pig’s head that Simon calls “Lord of the Flies”, symbolizing the boys’ descent into violence and savagery on the deserted island where they are stranded. The term “Lord of the Flies” is a literal translation of the biblical term “Beelzebub” and serves as a metaphor for the evil within all human beings.