1. Allegory in The Lord of the Flies By William Golding
Political, Psychological and Religious allegory within the novel

2. Definition of Allegory
ALLEGORY-A story in which people, things and actions represent an idea or generalization about life; allegories often have a strong moral lesson. (A split-level story)

3. Political Allegory

4. Political Allegory
As a political allegory we need only to look at the state of the world at the end of World War II. The world was divided into two camps the Allies and the Axis are much like the camps of Ralph and Jack.  (Also Cold War reference-U.S. vs Soviets)

5. Political Allegory
In addition the postwar Cold War Era suffered from fears of atomic destruction.  Lord of the Flies shows the world at the brink of atomic destruction.  The novel serves as a warning to the leaders of the world.

6. Political Allegory
Ralph’s conch symbolizes power and authority, like a crown for a king or Excalibur to King Arthur.

7. Political Allegory
The conch also symbolizes order and rule of law.

8. Political Allegory
Piggy represents (in part) the position of Prime Minister – the intelligent advisor to the crown / king.
The “assemblies” represent governmental structure and debate, such as parliament.

9. Political Allegory
Jack represents Hitler and the choir represents, in part, the government / social organizations that maintain control, but that can also get out of control (military / religion). This may particularly reference the Nazis of WWII.

10. Political Allegory
“The Beast” might represent the imagined external threats that justify the loss of law and order or lost civil rights
Ex: Scapegoating in Nazi Germany or Demonizing the U.S. for the U.S.S.R.

11. Political Allegory
Samneric represent members of society who have trouble “acting independently” and might change opinions or sides rapidly and without warning. They follow the strongest leader.

12. Freudian / Psychological Allegory

13. Freudian Allegory
Jack represents the “id”.  This is the part of the unconscious mind that works always to gratify its own impulse.  

14. Freudian Allegory
Piggy is the “superego”.  This is the part of the mind that seeks to control the impulsive behavior of the id. Piggy always reminds Ralph and the others of their responsibilities. 

15. Freudian Allegory
Ralph is the “ego”. He is the conscious mind that mediates between the id's demand for pleasure and the social pressures brought to bear by the superego.  

16. Religious Allegory

17. Religious Allegory
Finally, The Lord of the Flies is a religious allegory referencing the garden of Eden.

18. Religious Allegory
“The Parachutist” and Piggy represent The Fall of Mankind.

19. Religious Allegory
The Fall has become a metaphor for any fall from a favorable place.
It is the Biblical explanation for why life can never be perfect for humanity.
It refers specifically to Adam and Eve’s (original humans and representatives of humanity) fall from God’s grace as a response to their disobedience of God’s strict orders to avoid the fruit of the “tree of knowledge.”

20. Religious Allegory
“The Beast” is the snake in the garden that lures (tricks) the others to not hold up to their duty.

21. Religious Allegory Jack could represent Biblical figure:
Lucifer: the archangel who was cast out of heaven for his war with God
He was one of the greatest of the angels. He rebelled against God and was hurled from heaven down to hell where he became Satan, the Devil and the incarnation of evil who ruled over the demons of hell.

22. Religious Allegory
Jack and Ralph are very much like Cain and Abel.

23. Religious Allegory
Cain slew (Murdered) his brother Abel in the first “fratricide” (“brother killing”).
A mark was put upon his head and the man was cursed to wander friendless.
Per God’s command, no one can kill Cain or they will suffer “seven times over” the murder of Cain.
Who is killed in the first signal fire, due to the boys’ neglect?

24. Religious Allegory Simon is a Christ figure who…?
Feeds the children / takes care of others
Is tested / tempted
Confronts evil
Frees man from death
Suffers

25. Religious Allegory
Even the title, The Lord of the Flies is derived from the Hebrew word “Beezlebub” who was the prince of devils and demons.

26. Religious Allegory
Beezlebub or Ba'alzebub's name derives from the Canaanite "Baal" meaning "lord," and he is known as the Lord of the Flies.
The boys on the island are often described with fly-like behavior and actions (Ex: The boys “buzzed”).
T.S. Elliot helped William Golding select the title.