Justify the Title of the Novel Lord of the Flies.

Answer

Justify the title of the novel Lord of the Flies. 

“Lord of the Flies” (1954) is a novel by William Golding (1911-1993), and the title has a deep meaning that fits perfectly with the story. The novel is about a group of boys abandoned on an isolated island. They try to create their society without any adults to guide them. They end up facing chaos and savagery. The title, “Lord of the Flies,” refers to a symbol in the novel that represents the evil and darkness within human beings.

Literal Meaning and Symbolism: First, let us look at what the title literally means. “Lord of the Flies” is a translation of the name “Beelzebub,” which is another name for the devil. This connection to the devil hints at the dark themes in the novel. The title suggests that the story will analyze the darker side of human nature.

The Pig’s Head as a Symbol: In the novel, the “Lord of the Flies” is actually a pig’s head on a stick. The boys kill a pig and put its head on a stick as an offering to the imagined “beast” they fear. This pig’s head becomes covered with flies, and Simon has a vision where the head seems to speak to him. It tells Simon that the absolute “beast” is not something they can hunt and kill because it lives within each of them. The pig’s head, or the “Lord of the Flies,” symbolizes the evil and savagery that exists inside all humans. The Beast says,

Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! … You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you?

Descent into Savagery: The title also reflects the boys’ descent into savagery. At the beginning of the story, the boys try to maintain order and create rules. They elect Ralph as their leader and use a conch shell to call meetings. But as time goes on, the boys become more and more wild. They stop following the rules and give in to their primal instincts. The pig’s head on the stick represents this breakdown of civilization and the rise of chaos. The narrator says,

The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.

Conflict Between Civilization and Savagery: The title is important because it highlights the main theme of the novel. It is the conflict between civilization and savagery. Golding suggests that without the regulations of society, people can quickly revert to their base, violent tendencies. The boys’ transformation on the island shows how thin the shell of civilization really is. The “Lord of the Flies” symbolizes the dark side of human nature that is always present. Piggy utters,

What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages? What’s grownups going to think?

The Allure of Evil: Additionally, the title is a metaphor for the power and allure of evil. The pig’s head, with its rotting flesh and crowding flies, attracts the boys and fascinates them. This symbolizes how evil can be tempting and how it can draw people in, even when they know it is wrong. The boys’ fascination with the “beast” and their eventual descent into violence shows how easily people can be influenced by their darker impulses. The Beast says,

There isn’t anyone to help you. Only me. And I’m the Beast.

In termination, the title “Lord of the Flies” is deeply symbolic and reflects the novel’s exploration of human nature. It refers to the devil and symbolizes the evil within each person. The title highlights the conflict between civilization and savagery. By using this title, Golding emphasizes the dark and troubling aspects of human nature. He shows how quickly and easily people can fall into chaos and violence when left without the structures of society.