Lord of the Flies Group

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samiam777
samiam777

Explain the most important religious symbols in Lord of the Flies.

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Posted by samiam777 on Tuesday October 27, 2009 at 4:07 PM and tagged with lord of the flies, simon, symbols.

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  1. srodgers1029
    srodgers1029 Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The most important religious symbol is undoubtedly Simon, who is a Christ-figure in the novel.  Simon is seen gently caring for the "littl'uns," particularly when he reaches high in the trees for the fruit they can not reach.  "Fruit" in the Biblical sense is the product of one's actions, whether it be good or bad--decent actions bear good "fruit," and vice versa.  Simon is tempted by the "Devil" while in his secret place in the forest. The boar's head is dubbed the "Lord of the Flies," which in Latin means "Beelzebub" (who in the Bible is Satan's chief demon; Christ was also tempted by Satan while in the wilderness.  Most importantly, though, Simon was murdered senselessly for merely trying to proclaim "the good news," that the beast on the mountain was actually the parachute man.  Simon's body is washed away by the sea, which is yet another symbol for redemption or purification.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/lord-of-the-flies/characters
    http://www.enotes.com/lord-of-the-flies/q-and-a/tags/Symb...

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    Posted by srodgers1029 on Wednesday October 28, 2009 at 8:50 AM