Lord Of The Flies Snake Thing Quote
Lord of the Flies is a novel written by William Golding that depicts the story of young boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island and their struggle for survival. One of the most memorable scenes in the novel is when Simon, one of the characters, has a hallucination about a "snake-thing." This article will explore the significance of the "snake-thing" quote and its impact on the story.
The Context of the Quote
The quote appears in chapter eight of the novel, after Simon has a conversation with the Lord of the Flies, which is a pig's head on a stick that the boys have created as a symbol of their power on the island. Simon then goes into the forest and has a vision of the "snake-thing." He realizes that it is just a rotting parachute and tries to tell the other boys, but they mistake him for the beast and kill him.
The Symbolism of the Snake-Thing
The "snake-thing" represents the boys' fear and paranoia about the unknown beast on the island. It is a manifestation of their imagination and the darkness within them. The snake is also a symbol of evil and temptation, which is prevalent throughout the novel. Simon's hallucination of the "snake-thing" foreshadows his own death and the boys' descent into savagery.
The Impact of the Quote
The "snake-thing" quote is significant because it is a turning point in the novel. It marks the beginning of the boys' descent into savagery and their loss of innocence. Simon, who is the only character in the novel to understand the true nature of the "beast," is killed because of the boys' fear and paranoia. The quote also highlights the theme of the power of imagination and how it can be destructive.
The Theme of Darkness
The "snake-thing" quote is also significant because it is a metaphor for the darkness within the boys. The island represents a microcosm of society, and the boys' struggle for survival represents the struggle of humanity. The "beast" is a symbol of the darkness within all humans, and the boys' fear and paranoia about it represent their struggle to overcome it. The quote highlights the theme of the darkness within all humans and how it can lead to destruction.
The Significance of Simon
Simon is a significant character in the novel because he represents the good in humanity. He is the only character who understands the true nature of the "beast" and tries to tell the other boys. His death is a metaphor for the death of innocence and the triumph of savagery. The "snake-thing" quote is significant because it is a turning point in the novel that leads to Simon's death and the boys' descent into savagery.
The Importance of the Quote
The "snake-thing" quote is important because it highlights the central themes of the novel, such as the power of imagination, the darkness within all humans, and the loss of innocence. It is a metaphor for the boys' fear and paranoia about the unknown and their struggle to overcome it. The quote is also significant because it marks the beginning of the boys' descent into savagery and their loss of humanity.
Conclusion
The "snake-thing" quote is a memorable and significant moment in Lord of the Flies. It highlights the central themes of the novel and marks the beginning of the boys' descent into savagery. The quote is a metaphor for the darkness within all humans and the power of imagination. It is a reminder of the importance of maintaining our humanity in the face of adversity and the unknown.
