Lord of the Flies : Quotations
Lord of the Flies is a notable literary work by William Golding. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Lord of the Flies.
Quotations
Quotes
“We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages.”
—Jack, Chapter 2
Exp: Jack says this early in the story when the boys still believe in order. It shows that at first, they want to stay civilized. But later, he becomes the leader of savage boys and kills. His desire for power blinds him.
“The mask was a thing … behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.”
—Narrator, Chapter 4
Exp: When Jack paints his face, he feels free to do cruel things. The mask hides his real identity and removes his guilt. It shows how hiding behind power or disguise can bring out the wild side of humans.
“Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.”
—Jack, Chapter 4
Exp: This chant shows how the boys lose control and enjoy violence. The hunting song becomes a symbol of savagery. It turns killing into a game.
“Life … is scientific … there isn’t no beast … there isn’t no fear … Unless we get frightened of people.”
—Piggy, Chapter 5
Exp: Piggy speaks like a voice of reason. He knows the real danger is not any beast but human beings themselves. His words show that fear and cruelty come from inside people, not from outside monsters.
“Maybe … there is a beast … maybe it’s only us.”
—Simon, Chapter 5
Exp: Simon understands the truth — the beast is not real. It lives inside every person as evil and cruelty. This line is the key idea of the whole novel: man himself is the true monster, and it comes out in the right opportunity.
“I’m the Beast … You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you?”
—Lord of the Flies, Chapter 8
Exp: The pig’s head, known as the “Lord of the Flies,” speaks to Simon in a vision. It tells him that evil is part of all humans. This moment clearly shows that the real beast is inside everyone’s heart.
“Which is better—to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?”
—Piggy, Chapter 11
Exp: Piggy asks this question to remind the boys about civilization. He wants peace and order, but no one listens.
“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart.”
—Ralph, Chapter 12
Exp: At the end, Ralph cries when he sees what they have become. He realizes they are no longer innocent children. This line expresses the sadness of discovering the evil within humans.