Lord of the Flies

Essay: Lord of the Flies

The environment and organisms in a situation can parallel other people and circumstances through extensive imagery, or sense appealing descriptions. At times this correspondence may be found in a spiritual way. In particular, the depiction of light does portray a feeling of holiness or sacredness. By examining the last four paragraphs of Chapter Nine, “A View to Death,” in Lord of the Flies, William Golding makes clear the use of light imagery to suggest the apotheosis of Simon.
The celestial and water light imagery evokes the idea of angelic goodness in Simon as he completes his ascension. They sky and stars seem to be opening up and welcoming the spirit of Simon. The storm ends and the sky becomes “clear” as the “rain ceased and the clouds drifted away,” revealing the beautiful sky. The transition of darkness to light suggests that a horrible event has passed, and goodness has once again been restored. This goodness would be t...