1. Introduction and Background
Lord of the Flies 1954
Introduction and Background

2. Title Translation “Beelzebub” a Hebrew word for LUCIFER
However, the literal translation of “Beelzebub”
into English is LORD OF THE FLIES

3. William Golding Born in Britain 1911-1993
L.O.T.F Author
William Golding
Born in Britain

4. About William Golding British novelist
Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in literature
Fought in Royal Navy during WWII
Participated in invasion of Normandy on D-Day
At war’s end, returned to teaching and writing

5. In the decade before LOTF was published, Britain had been involved in two wars:
WWII
Korean War

6. As a child, Golding had witnessed WWI, which was referred to as “the war to end all wars”
HOWEVER,
22 years later Britain was again involved in
ANOTHER WAR
to end all wars, which caused more devastation than was imaginable

7. Through LOTF, Golding is making the statement that we cannot escape our savage, violent tendencies…

8. …and without social order, we devolve into a state of chaos

9. Golding’s Fiction Allegorical Allusions to Classical literature
The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.
A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby Dick are allegories.
A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.
Allusions to
Classical literature
Mythology
Christian Symbolism

10. Lord of the Flies
“It was simply what seemed sensible for me to write after the war when everyone was thanking God they weren’t Nazis. I’d seen enough to realize that every single one of us could be Nazis.”
William Golding on his novel Lord of the Flies

11. Philosophical Influence
John Hobbes
English Philosopher:
Man is by nature selfishly individualistic
Man constantly at war with other men
Fear of violent death is sole motivation to create civilizations
Men need to be controlled by absolute sovereignty to avoid brutish behavior

12. Themes in the Novel Civilization vs. Savagery Loss of Innocence
Original Sin
Fear that separates one from God
Nature of Good and Evil
Goodness is rare and fleeting

13. Motifs in the Novel
Biblical parallels (book criticized for re-telling episodes in the Bible)
Pristine places corrupted by evil
Beel’zebub- Hebrew translation for Lord of the flies

14. Important Images
The Beast = The imaginary evil that is projected onto the island by the boys’ paranoia
Lord of the Flies = A pig’s head on a stick that becomes the physical acceptance of evil on the island

15. TERMS to REMEMBER
Microcosm = A small world that represents the world at large
Edenic = Eden like, paradise like, a setting that has not yet been spoiled by man

16. Character Analysis
Ralph ~ Main character described as “fair haired,” having “broad shoulders…[like a] boxer’s,” and has a face that “proclaims no devil”
Committed to civilization and morality
Translation = GOOD

17. Character Analysis
Piggy \ Described as “fat,” “intellectual,” asthmatic, and needs glasses
Represents scientific, rational side of civilization, and social order

18. Character Analysis
Jack ~ Described as having red hair, wears black with a snake clasp, ugly
Cruel and manipulative
Represents our savage instincts played out
EVIL

19. Modern Day Allusions Allusion- (n.) an indirect reference to something
There are many, many modern day allusions to Lord of the Flies in popular culture.
For example….

20. The Simpsons
The Simpson’s episode titled Das Bus is a parody of Lord of the Flies.

21. Survivor
Mark Burnett’s CBS island show is said to have been inspired by LOTF.
Lost is also another example.

22. Sponge Bob Squarepants
The episode Club Spongebob is a spoof of LOTF.

23. Popular Music
Bands such as Taking Back Sunday, Nine Inch Nails, AFI, Iron Maiden, and Pink Floyd have written songs about or have alluded to LOTF in their music.