Discussion Topic
Biblical references in William Golding's Lord of the Flies
Summary:
In Lord of the Flies, William Golding includes several Biblical references. Simon represents a Christ-like figure, displaying kindness and spirituality. The "Lord of the Flies" itself alludes to Beelzebub, a demon. The boys' descent into savagery mirrors the concept of original sin and the fall of man, illustrating the inherent evil within humanity.
What are some Biblical allusions in chapters 6 and 7 of Lord of the Flies?
"There was a sudden bright explosion and corkscrew trail across the sky; then darkness again and stars. There was a speck above the island, a figure dropping swiftly beneath a parachute, a figure that hung with dangling limbs." (Golding 95)
At the beginning of Chapter 6, Golding describes the paratroopers decent from the sky following an aerial battle. This scene alludes to the Biblical account of Satan's fall from heaven. According to the Bible, Lucifer was a prideful angel who was kicked out of heaven by the archangel Michael. The paratroopers fall from the sky alludes to the Biblical event of Satan descending from heaven. The dead paratrooper is believed to be the "beast" which symbolizes Satan.
"Someone's got to go across the island and tell Piggy we'll be back after dark." Bill spoke unbelieving. "Through the forest by himself? Now?" "We can't spare more than one." Simon pushed his...
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way toRalph's elbow. "I'll go if you like. I don't mind, honestly." (Golding 117)
In Chapter 7, Simon volunteers to journey back to the basecamp to inform Piggy that the boys won't be back for the night. Simon travels alone in the dark forest to give this valuable information to Piggy. Simon's journey alludes to Peter's journey in the Bible. Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, spreads the gospel throughout ancient Rome, ministering to unbelievers. Simon, who interestingly shares the same original name as one of Jesus' leading disciples, selflessly volunteers to share the information, much like the disciples of the Bible shared the gospel. In the book of Acts, Simon, whose name was changed to Peter, travels from Jerusalem to Lydda, Joppa, and Caesarea preaching the gospel to the Gentiles.
References
Are there any biblical references in William Golding's Lord of the Flies?
The most obvious Biblical allusion is in the title itself: Lord of the Flies. The etymology of this name comes from various sources, among them the Book ofSolomon in the Old Testament. There he is equated with Beelzebul, A Philistine deity. Another variant of the spelling, Baalzebub seems to mean "lord of the flies." In Mark 3:22 of the New Testament he is also mentioned, but as "Beelzeboul, the prince of demons. In Paradise Lost, he is second in command, the mouthpiece of Satan. In Bensfield's Classification of Demons, he is ranked among the seven princes of Hell; his means of tempting is by the sin of gluttony.
- Book of Genesis
Other allusions are made to the Book of Genesis and the Garden of Eden. When Ralph sees that he is on a beautiful, pristine island, he removes his clothes and is naked in resemblance to Adam before he sins. Then, after Jack and the others become more savage, they paint themselves, perhaps, in some guilt. Continuing the motif of Eden, the boys talk of their fears and describe "a serpent-thing."
- Prophet/Mystic
The character of Simon is much like a mystic or prophet. He tries to tell the boys that the evil which they fear is actually withing their natures. Faced with the vision of the Lord of the Flies, Simon is told,
"You knew, didn't you? I'm part of you?....I'm the reason why it's no go? Why things are what they are?"
Some critics find Simon's confrontation with the Lord of the Flies as a reference to Satan's appearance to Jesus as He fasted in the desert. And, perhaps, the buzzing flies around the pig's head foreshadow death. For, like Jesus, Simon becomes a sacrificial victim at the hands of the others.
- Jack as a Devil
With his red hair, black cloak, (colors of the devil) and painted face later on, Jack seems a disciple of dark forces.
References