Lord Of The Flies Religion Analysis

Alice Matthews
Mrs. Chesanek
Period One
19 April 2013
Lord of the Flies: Structured by Religion Human nature is a very recognized and popular topic, especially among those seeking a more profound perspective on life’s deeper meaning. A matter such as human nature cannot be considered without the mention of the infamous novel, Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. The question, of course, stands as: What is true human nature and how does it affect mankind? The answer is purely subjective, but most opinions are supported with truths and evidence that cannot be ignored. Lord of the Flies is notable for its persuasive point of view that human nature is one of evil and savage behavior. However, it is the way that William Golding creates this
This is very similar to a story of Jesus in the Bible. In this story, Jesus fed and satisfied an entire starving village with a mere two fish and five loaves of bread (Mark 6:30-44). He performed a miracle. In Lord of the Flies, the endless, outstretched arms of the young boys are a village, the fruit on the trees are like the two fish and loaves of bread, and Simon is representative of Jesus Christ. But Golding does not stop here, and in order to construct an even deeper relationship between the two, he gives Simon an almost supernatural feature: the ability to analyze and come to terms with the progression of man. Simon’s capability of this is first exhibited during a discussion of the possibility of a “Beast” that may exist on the island and terrorize the boys, “…’Maybe it’s only us’…Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind’s essential illness” (Golding 770). This is a vital quote in understanding the declination of mankind. Even though his theory was rejected by the group of boys, Simon was still able to comprehend that the “Beast” was actually the deterioration of the boys’ mental state, turning them into savages.
This analogy may hold the most weight in revealing human nature’s true state. The “Beast” was many things, both physically and mentally. Physically, the “Beast” was a dead pilot and a pig head on a stick, also known as Lord of the Flies. Mentally, however, the “Beast” was within the boys themselves; it was the deterioration of their mental state that corrupted them and reduced them into savages. Jack is the first to make a bold statement about the “Beast”, “’The thing is – fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream. There aren’t any beasts to be afraid of on this island’” (Golding 71). Jack says this to not only provide comfort for the younger boys, but to reassure his self as well. The fear of a “Beast” has consumed everyone, even though the older boys deny it. The first connection to the Devil can be found in this quote because the Devil is more than a physical being – it’s a whole entity that carries a formidable aura. When Jack speaks, it is clear to readers that this aura has reached everyone on the island. The boys then begin to live in fear of the unknown “Beast”, causing their humanity to decline. The most direct link between the “Beast” and the Devil is when Simon sees the Lord of the Flies, “Even the butterflies deserted the open space where the obscene thing grinned and dripped” (Golding 123). This description illustrates the vast evilness and horror of Lord of the Flies because any sign of life abandoned the