“Lord of the Religion”
In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding there is the use of religious symbols to support a deeper interpretation of the novel. First, the symbol of The Garden of Eden is represented in many ways. Second, the structure of the book is similar to the story of Jesus and his disciples. Last, throughout the entire story a character is met named Simon, who is Christ-like. He somewhat resembles the light on the island like Jesus resembles the light of the world. Hence, the symbol of the Garden of Eden, the structure of the book, and the Christ-like imagery associated with Simon as a character demonstrates how religious symbolism is used throughout this novel.
In this novel there are several scenarios that occur …show more content…
Firstly, Simon has Christ-like qualities, as he is kind, helpful, and always finding the best in others. “Then, amid the roar of bees in the afternoon sunlight, Simon found for [the littluns] the fruit they could not reach, pulled off the choicest from up in the foliage, passed them back down to the endless, outstretched hands.” (Golding, 57). Simon is especially helpful to the littluns because the other boys bully them for being the youngest. He shows he cares about them by reaching for things that they can’t get and serves as a good role model. Jesus plays a similar role to human kind because no matter who they are Jesus helps and forgives, Simon does as well. Secondly, Simon is very compassionate and sensitive to the feelings and emotions of others. He does whatever he can to make them feel better because he doesn 't like seeing people upset. When Simon says to Ralph, “You’ll get back to where you came from…You’ll get back all right. I think so, anyway” (Golding, 121). Ralph wasn’t in the best mood but once Simon said this to him some of the strain had gone from Ralphs body had gone. This shows Simon can help people simply with some words of encouragement. It also shows Simon is somewhat like a prophecy because Ralph does end up getting off the island. Jesus was a prophecy sent from God. Lastly, in chapter 9, Simon unfortunately dies but his death symbolizes dying for the sins of the boys, like Jesus does in the new testament. The exception is he dies for the sins of the world and Simon dies for the sins of several boys. Simon was killed by people who were his friends like Jesus was killed from people who once adored him. Also, as Simon was drifting into the ocean, “the water dressed Simon’s course hair with brightness” (Golding,170). When Jesus rose again he had a bright, glowing halo surrounding his head which is equivalent to the
In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding there is the use of religious symbols to support a deeper interpretation of the novel. First, the symbol of The Garden of Eden is represented in many ways. Second, the structure of the book is similar to the story of Jesus and his disciples. Last, throughout the entire story a character is met named Simon, who is Christ-like. He somewhat resembles the light on the island like Jesus resembles the light of the world. Hence, the symbol of the Garden of Eden, the structure of the book, and the Christ-like imagery associated with Simon as a character demonstrates how religious symbolism is used throughout this novel.
In this novel there are several scenarios that occur …show more content…
Firstly, Simon has Christ-like qualities, as he is kind, helpful, and always finding the best in others. “Then, amid the roar of bees in the afternoon sunlight, Simon found for [the littluns] the fruit they could not reach, pulled off the choicest from up in the foliage, passed them back down to the endless, outstretched hands.” (Golding, 57). Simon is especially helpful to the littluns because the other boys bully them for being the youngest. He shows he cares about them by reaching for things that they can’t get and serves as a good role model. Jesus plays a similar role to human kind because no matter who they are Jesus helps and forgives, Simon does as well. Secondly, Simon is very compassionate and sensitive to the feelings and emotions of others. He does whatever he can to make them feel better because he doesn 't like seeing people upset. When Simon says to Ralph, “You’ll get back to where you came from…You’ll get back all right. I think so, anyway” (Golding, 121). Ralph wasn’t in the best mood but once Simon said this to him some of the strain had gone from Ralphs body had gone. This shows Simon can help people simply with some words of encouragement. It also shows Simon is somewhat like a prophecy because Ralph does end up getting off the island. Jesus was a prophecy sent from God. Lastly, in chapter 9, Simon unfortunately dies but his death symbolizes dying for the sins of the boys, like Jesus does in the new testament. The exception is he dies for the sins of the world and Simon dies for the sins of several boys. Simon was killed by people who were his friends like Jesus was killed from people who once adored him. Also, as Simon was drifting into the ocean, “the water dressed Simon’s course hair with brightness” (Golding,170). When Jesus rose again he had a bright, glowing halo surrounding his head which is equivalent to the