What is the significance of ‘Lord’ in “Lord of the Flies”?

Answer

What is the significance of ‘Lord’ in “Lord of the Flies”? [2018]

William Golding (1911–1993), in “Lord of the Flies” (1954), uses the figure of the “Lord” as a symbol of evil within man. The “Lord of the Flies” represents the darkness of human nature and the moral corruption hidden in every person.

The Lord as a Symbol of Evil: The “Lord of the Flies” is a pig’s head fixed on a stick. It becomes a gift to the imaginary beast. The head rots and attracts flies. It symbolizes decay and evil. When Simon looks at it, he hears, 

“I’m the beast… I’m part of you.” 

These words reveal the truth that evil is not an outside force but lives within humans. Golding uses the “Lord” to show that the real beast is human cruelty, fear, and desire for power.

The Lord as the Inner Beast: The “Lord” speaks to Simon in his vision. It tells him that the beast cannot be killed because it lives inside everyone. Simon realizes this truth and later tries to tell the others, but he is killed. The “Lord” therefore represents the inner darkness of man. It reflects the idea that civilization hides but cannot erase human savagery. Through the “Lord,” Golding suggests that when rules and order vanish, the evil inside people rises and controls their actions completely.

The Religious and Moral Meaning: The title “Lord of the Flies” is a translation of “Beelzebub,” another name for the Devil. It symbolizes Satan’s influence over mankind. The pig’s head becomes a dark god that rules the boys through fear. It replaces reason and faith with superstition and violence. The boys worship it unconsciously. It shows how easily humans turn to evil. Simon, the Christ-like figure, alone understands this truth. His death proves that innocence and goodness cannot survive in a world ruled by the “Lord.”

Thus, the “Lord of the Flies” symbolizes the inner evil within man. It shows that human beings