The title ‘Lord of the Flies’ holds profound significance within Golding’s novel as it encapsulates the central themes and the overarching message concerning human nature and civilization. The title is a direct translation of the Hebrew name ‘Beelzebub,’ which is often associated with a figure of evil, hinting at the inherent darkness within humanity.
Throughout the story, a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island descends into savagery. The titular ‘Lord of the Flies’ refers to the pig’s head mounted on a stick, left as an offering to the imagined beast. This grotesque symbol represents the primal instincts and the moral decay that arises when societal structures dissolve.
Moreover, the title underscores the theme of loss of innocence. The boys start with a spirit of adventure and camaraderie but, as they yield to their basest instincts, they abandon their humanity. The transformation from children to savages reflects Golding’s perspective on the intrinsic evil that lurks within all people.
In essence, the title serves as a poignant reminder of the thin veneer of civilization that separates humanity from chaos and brutality. It challenges readers to reflect on the nature of power, fear, and the capacity for evil that resides within us all.