Allegory In Lord Of The Flies: Figurative Meaning
What is an allegory some might ask? An allegory is a story with figurative meaning or one that has two meanings. Throughout the novel, Lord of the Flies, examples of allegory are evident through the characters. In the beginning of the novel, a group of British boys are deserted after a plane crash on a paradise like island, one which is seemingly similar to the Garden of Eden. With no help from an adult or parental figure, the boys learn for themselves, order is necessary to survive. However, because of their own imperfections and inability to control their savagery, they lose their creation of a society. They do not listen to Christ-figure Simon, who tries to warn them about their destructiveness and the truth. Instead, they murder Simon that
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“The Beast” is the snake in the garden that tricks the others to follow its lead. Jack could represent several Biblical figures including the Satan, Judas and Cain. Judas, who betrayed Christ and condemned him to death for 30 pieces of silver. Jack who first agreed to Ralph as chief betrays him later due to his evident greed and jealousy for power. Jack and Ralph are very much like Cain and Abel. Cain murdered his brother Abel in the fourth chapter of genesis also because of jealousy, this is when god recalls sin and asks Cain, “What have you done” (Genesis KJV). Simon’s selfless nature sets him apart from the others after he takes care of others “littluns”, confronts evil/beast and finds truth and just like Jesus is murdered. He even reassures Ralph of his “safety” (111), which is what the selfless Jesus tells his …show more content…
Most of the characters in the story have actions that can be compared to that of the bible. From the bible there are stories such as of god’s creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, Satan, and many more that coincide with Jack, Simon, Ralph and the others. All in all the novel is semi equivalent to the plot of the stories in the bible because they connect and give a deeper meaning to the novel. The lord of the flies is one big religious allegory that Golding shows through a religious view giving a deeper understanding to his
“The Beast” is the snake in the garden that tricks the others to follow its lead. Jack could represent several Biblical figures including the Satan, Judas and Cain. Judas, who betrayed Christ and condemned him to death for 30 pieces of silver. Jack who first agreed to Ralph as chief betrays him later due to his evident greed and jealousy for power. Jack and Ralph are very much like Cain and Abel. Cain murdered his brother Abel in the fourth chapter of genesis also because of jealousy, this is when god recalls sin and asks Cain, “What have you done” (Genesis KJV). Simon’s selfless nature sets him apart from the others after he takes care of others “littluns”, confronts evil/beast and finds truth and just like Jesus is murdered. He even reassures Ralph of his “safety” (111), which is what the selfless Jesus tells his …show more content…
Most of the characters in the story have actions that can be compared to that of the bible. From the bible there are stories such as of god’s creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, Satan, and many more that coincide with Jack, Simon, Ralph and the others. All in all the novel is semi equivalent to the plot of the stories in the bible because they connect and give a deeper meaning to the novel. The lord of the flies is one big religious allegory that Golding shows through a religious view giving a deeper understanding to his