In the novel Lord of the Flies, the author uses strong literary elements to paint a picture of the theme for the reader. When a huge group of kids is abandoned on an island and they are left to fend for themselves character development and symbols play a huge part in creating many concepts we can pull from this story. While the characterization of Jack’s evil character represents an important theme, the symbol of the beast also does and as the novel progresses we can see Jack morph into our perceived idea of this beast. The writer, William Golding, uses characterization and symbolism to portray the theme, evil nature hides within all of humanity.
First, William Golding develops the idea that evil lives within all people through the characterization
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In chapter 7 Simon experiences an epileptic fit where he hallucinates that the Lord of the Flies communicates with him through the pig’s head on a stick, telling him “what are you doing here all alone? Aren’t you afraid of me?...There isn’t anyone to help you. Only me. And I’m the beast.” (Golding pg. 206) In this quote, Golding alludes that Simon can’t be saved from the beast nor should he be afraid because, in reality, the fear of the beast is only his own mind. Throughout the entire novel, Golding has made it very clear the beast symbolizes the true nature within every person and shows us that the fear the kids on the island experience is caused by the real threat that lies within each of them.
In the same encounter the Lord of the Flies continues to torment Simon “This is ridiculous. You know perfectly well you’ll meet me down there-so don’t try to escape!” (Golding pg. 106) This quote symbolizes yet again that the primal instincts of humankind are still prominent on the island. When the Lord of the Flies states “well you’ll meet me down there” it is trying to disclose to Simon that when he re-joins the group he will still be among the beast and escaping the pig's head will not mean escaping the true