Tuesday, November 10, 2015

How is the "Lord of the Flies" a symbol in the novel by William Golding?

coachingcorner provides a great list of themes to explore re. symbolism in Lord of the Flies (i.e., Order/Disorder - Good/Evil - Death/Life - Decay - Anarchy - Free Will - Convention/Freedom - The Fight of Angels and Demons in Heaven/Hell - Falling From Grace - Hunting - Trophy - Humiliation - Sacrifice - Ritual Exhibition).


There is a biblical allusion in the book's title that may be of help in your exploration of these themes. Interestingly, "Lord of the flies" is a synonym for "Beelzebub" (a.k.a. the devil).


Here's the derivation breakdown: ORIGIN from late Latin Beëlzebub, translating Hebrew ba‛al zĕ b ū b ‘lord of flies,’ the name of a Philistine god (2 Kings 1:2), and Greek Beelzeboul ‘the Devil’ (Matt. 12:24). Source: Any good (print/electronic) dictionary.


As you read coachingcorner's list of themes again, this tidbit will surely/hopefully help you with an essay, test, or simply to gain greater insight into the novel.


Hope this helps. :)

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