Parth

Yes, we don’t want to wreck the book’s ending. To all interested, read the book if you haven’t yet.

Roland

Yes, I agree. But there is no point in wrecking the story for the other potential readers, who might be reading this blog right now.

Parth

There are several meaningless references that I feel that we should not go into. The WHOLE book is a symbolic version of the events. Ralph’s meetings can be described as the failures of the League of Nations, Jack and his henchmen being Adolf Hitler and his supporters.

Roland

The historical context regarding Golding’s life is also pretty interesting. The whole novel can be seen as a symbolic representation of the events between the years 1918 and 1945, the end of WW1 to the end of WW2. However, this is covertly described as not actually being WW2 when Piggy tells Ralph, ‘Didn’t you hear what the pilot said? About the atom bomb? They’re all dead.’ This is a reference to atom bombs other than the ones dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Parth

Also, Simon’s character does seem to be the neutral character in the novel. He is as eager to help Piggy, and even Jack, as he is to help Ralph. The Lord of the Flies continues from the quote you mentioned earlier, “(You like Ralph a lot, don’t you?) And Piggy and Jack?” This displays Simon’s biblical representation of Jesus, one who wants to do good for all of the boys.

Roland

Oh yes. Ralph as also mentions Simon, “ He’s (Simon) queer. He’s funny,” in Chapter 3. Simon’s interest in nature also alludes his Christ-like personality.

Parth

Yes, but doesn’t it remind you of how Christ helped the poor and needy in time of crisis and how he was despised by those in power, political and religious.