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