LOTF: Chapter 9 Allegory: A representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms. Basically, an allegory is a story whose events parallel those of a similar story and which is told to audiences for the purpose of sending a message. Example: the interactions among Piggy, Ralph, and Jack on the island could be described as an allegory of the interactions between the superego, ego, and id in the human mind.

Discussion questions:  Pp : Looking at Simon and his actions/thoughts, there is almost a “mystical” quality to him, as if he sees things more clearly than the other boys and interacts on a different mental level than they do (after all, he is the only one to actually “communicate” with the Lord of the Flies). If you know what both the Lord of the Flies and Simon symbolize and you understand how the LotF is trying to “tempt” Simon into giving up, then you should be able to see how this event is a biblical allegory: explain what this allegory is and how this is significant in terms of the story (Christ’s temptation by Satan; it sets up a symbolic tension between good and evil in the story).

 Pp : Not only does Simon have the courage to face the “Beast from the Air,” but he actually comes into physical contact with him. Explain how Simon actually interacts with this beast and what his actions are symbolic of.

 Pp : Jack is described as an “idol” to the members of his own tribe, “painted and garlanded” as idols often are. Why was idolatry problematic in the Bible and why is it just as dangerous here?

 Pp : On these pages, all of the boys (including Piggy and Ralph) take part in a mock ceremony (killing a pig). What do Piggy and Ralph’s actions during this ceremony mean for them? For the survival of all of the boys? What about the boys’ killing of Simon during this ceremony – given what Simon represented symbolically, what might this foreshadow for the rest of the story? Also, how does this very public murder of Simon extend the allegory of the story of Christ (in a sense, Simon is dying for the sins of all of the boys).

 Pp : Notice that, as the “Beast from the Air” is carried off the island, so too is Simon’s body carried off by the ocean tide. Are these events mere coincidence, or did the author intend to make a point? Also, with the “beast” removed from the island, do you think the boys will act differently or the same as they did when not faced with this conflict? Why?

HOMEWORK  Essay (½ page minimum): Answer the following question: Can the rest of the boys be “saved” or “redeemed” in a moral or humanistic sense as a result of Simon’s death? Why or why not?  Read Lord of the Flies chapter 10 and complete study guide..