Who Is The Christ Figure In Lord Of The Flies

830 Words2 Pages

The Christ Figure in the Chaos: Simon as an Allegory of Jesus Christ in *Lord of the Flies*. In the crucible of civilization's breakdown, where primal instincts eclipse the veneer of societal norms, the emergence of a Christ-like figure offers a poignant reflection on humanity's moral compass. William Golding’s *Lord of the Flies* paints a harrowing picture of the descent into barbarism, yet amid the darkness, Simon emerges as a beacon of innate goodness and spiritual purity. This essay delves into Simon’s allegorical representation of Jesus Christ and the overarching theme of innate human goodness versus the inherent evil lurking within humanity. Golding crafts Simon's character with an ethereal quality, marking him as distinct from the …show more content…

Unlike the other boys, Simon seeks solitude and finds solace in the natural beauty of the island, akin to Jesus retreating to the wilderness. His sensitivity to the natural world and his moments of introspection highlight a deeper connection to a higher moral understanding. This is evident when Simon perceives the true nature of the "beast," realizing it is not an external force but the manifestation of the boys' inner darkness. “Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind's essential illness” (Golding, p. 89). This revelation mirrors Christ’s teachings on the innate sinfulness of humanity and the need for internal …show more content…

After discovering the truth about the beast, Simon rushes to the other boys to share his revelation, only to be met with a frenzied, ritualistic killing. “The sticks fell and the mouth of the new circle crunched and screamed” (Golding, p. 152). His death echoes the crucifixion of Jesus, who was also killed by those he sought to save. This act of violence against an innocent underlines Golding's grim view of human nature – that the potential for goodness and truth is often crushed by the overwhelming power of fear and

Open Document