William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a novel that has resonated with readers for decades, not least because of its enigmatic title. But who is the Lord of the Flies? More than just a character, the Lord of the Flies embodies the core themes of this classic text, acting as a chilling symbol of the inherent human capacity for savagery and the breakdown of civilization. Originally dismissed as “rubbish and dull”, Golding’s masterpiece narrowly escaped literary oblivion to become a globally recognized exploration of darkness within.
Unpacking the Title: Symbolism and the Beast Within
The title itself, Lord of the Flies, is a direct translation of “Beelzebub,” a Hebrew word for a Philistine god, often associated with demons and, in Christian tradition, with Satan. This immediately sets a dark and allegorical tone for the novel. The “flies” swarming around the pig’s head in the book, which becomes the literal “Lord of the Flies,” represent decay, corruption, and the primitive urges that take over the stranded schoolboys.
The Lord of the Flies is not a tangible character in the traditional sense, but rather a symbolic manifestation of evil that arises from within the boys themselves. It’s the beast they fear, externalized and given a grotesque form. This rotting pig’s head on a stick, encountered by Simon in a pivotal hallucinatory scene, speaks to him, claiming to be the “Beast” and the reason “why it’s no go? Why things are what they are?”. This chilling dialogue reveals that the true source of terror is not an external monster, but the inherent savagery lurking within human nature itself. Understanding who is the Lord of the Flies is understanding Golding’s central point: the darkness isn’t “out there,” it’s inside us.
From Rejection to Recognition: The Journey of a Classic
Interestingly, this now-iconic novel had a difficult start. In 1953, William Golding, a schoolteacher drawing on his wartime experiences and observations of boys, submitted Lord of the Flies (originally titled Strangers from Within) to nine publishers – and received nine rejections. Described by one reader at Faber and Faber as an “absurd and uninteresting fantasy. Rubbish and dull. Pointless,” the manuscript seemed destined for the reject pile.
However, Charles Monteith, a junior editor at Faber and Faber, saw something in the “tired, weather-beaten old manuscript.” Despite its unpromising appearance and initial negative reviews, Monteith was captivated and championed the book. He recognized the power of Golding’s subversion of the classic adventure story, R.M. Ballantyne’s The Coral Island, where British boys effortlessly civilize a desert island. Golding presented a starkly contrasting vision, one where civilization crumbles and primal instincts take over.
Monteith’s persistence saved Lord of the Flies from obscurity, although Golding had to make significant revisions, notably toning down the overt religious allegory present in the original manuscript to create a more secular and universally resonant story about human nature. This journey from rejection to recognition underscores the novel’s powerful and enduring themes, proving that even stories initially deemed “pointless” can become profound reflections on society and the human condition.
Key Themes: Savagery, Civilization, and the Loss of Innocence
Lord of the Flies delves into several profound themes, all intrinsically linked to understanding who is the Lord of the Flies. The most prominent is the conflict between civilization and savagery. The stranded British schoolboys initially attempt to establish a democratic society, mirroring the adult world they know. Ralph, the elected leader, represents order, reason, and civilization, while Jack Merridew embodies primal urges, hunting, and the allure of power through fear.
As the novel progresses, the boys gradually descend into savagery. The carefully constructed rules and societal norms erode, replaced by tribalism, violence, and a terrifying loss of innocence. The hunt for the pig, initially for survival, becomes a ritualistic descent into bloodlust. The boys, driven by fear and primal instincts, paint their faces, lose their individual identities, and become increasingly brutal. The tragic figure of Piggy, representing intellect and reason, is ultimately murdered, symbolizing the triumph of savagery over intellect.
Another crucial theme is the loss of innocence. The island, initially a paradise, becomes a stage for the boys’ moral degradation. They arrive as innocent schoolboys, but the absence of adult authority and the pressures of survival unleash their darker impulses. The Lord of the Flies becomes a symbol of this lost innocence, a grim reminder of the potential for evil that exists even in the youngest and seemingly most civilized among us.
Characters and the Lord of the Flies Figure
While the Lord of the Flies is primarily symbolic, it also manifests in tangible forms within the narrative, particularly through the pig’s head and the character of Jack. Jack, initially a choirboy leader, is the character who most readily embraces savagery. He manipulates the other boys’ fears, appealing to their primal instincts and offering them the excitement of the hunt and the release from societal constraints. In a sense, Jack becomes an agent of the “Lord of the Flies,” embodying its destructive power and leading the other boys further into darkness.
Simon’s encounter with the Lord of the Flies is also crucial for understanding who is the Lord of the Flies. In his hallucinatory conversation with the pig’s head, Simon, the most insightful and spiritual boy, realizes the true nature of the beast. The Lord of the Flies tells Simon, “Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!… You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you?”. This realization is central to the novel’s message: the beast is not an external entity but an internal one, born from human nature itself.
Enduring Legacy and Pop Culture Impact
Despite its initial rejection, Lord of the Flies has become a literary touchstone, influencing countless works of literature, film, and television. From Stephen King, who was captivated by its realistic portrayal of boys, to modern adaptations like Yellowjackets, the novel’s themes of societal breakdown and the darkness within continue to resonate. The story has been adapted for film multiple times, and its influence can be seen in parodies like The Simpsons episode referencing the book.
Golding’s novel serves as a persistent warning, relevant even today. It reminds us that civilization is fragile, and the line between order and chaos is thinner than we might believe. Understanding who is the Lord of the Flies is understanding the constant need for vigilance against our own darker impulses and the importance of societal structures, reason, and empathy in maintaining civilization. Golding’s enduring masterpiece continues to provoke thought and discussion about human nature and the ever-present potential for both good and evil within us.
This article explores the symbolism and themes of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, focusing on the meaning of the title and its enduring relevance in contemporary culture.
