Lord of the Flies

discuss an important passage in the novel and explain why it is important

be sure to tell us what page the passage is on read the passage to the class and then explain why it is important

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I really like the passage when Simon is staring at the Lord of the Flies,

“Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!” said the head. For a moment or two the forest and all the other dimly appreciated places echoed with the parody of laughter. “You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are what they are?”

The head represents Simons own inner darkness. Just as Christ was tempted by the Devil on a mountaintop, Simon has come face to face with his own darkness. The Lord of the Flies asserts what Simon has always known; the beast lies within each one of the boys. This personification is brilliant. Simon resists the pig's head on a stick but he understands the full immensity of the "darkness in man's heart". Knowing full well what the boys are capable of, Simon attempts to save them none the less. This is the fall of man.