The emotion of fear, which can be distressing and caused by the anticipation of evil and pain, whether it is a genuine threat or not, is the central theme in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. The novel explores fear in various ways through three main instances: Simon’s absence of fear, Ralph’s fear of isolation on the island, and Jack’s fear of losing power. Fear can provoke unfamiliar behavior in individuals, regardless of whether their fear is based on reality or imagination. In response to fear, people may defensively attack, become paralyzed and unable to take action, or behave in an irrational and unpredictable manner. Unlike the other boys on the island, Simon, who serves as a Christ-like figure in the story, does not experience fear towards the “beastie” or the unknown. Simon explains, “Perhaps there is a beast… perhaps it’s only us” (p. 97).
The fear of the unknown in the novel contributes to the boys’ terror of the beast as an imaginary figure that haunts their minds. Golding uses the beast as a symbol of the evil that exists in every creature. The sow head, known as the “lord of the flies,” announces to Simon that it is part of him and the reason for their situation. The “lord of the flies” represents the devil and brings out fear and evil in people. Believing in the “lord of the flies” allows it to have power, but Simon realizes it is just a dead parachute man before he dies. He tries to inform the other boys about his discovery before being killed by the beast.
By physically punishing the boys, Jack intends to instill fear in them so that they will comply with his rules: “We’ve got to have rules and obey them” (P.47). Ultimately, fear can cause individuals to behave in unfamiliar ways, regardless of whether their fear is justified or imagined. In response to fear, people may defensively resort to violence. Fear can both prevent one from taking action and push one towards absurd and unpredictable behavior. The “Lord of the Flies” exemplifies fear in three significant forms: Simon’s lack of fear, Ralph’s fear of social isolation, and Jack’s intense fear of Ralph’s dominance. According to Golding, the boys themselves bring evil and fear to the island. As long as humanity remains flawed, the world will continue to grapple with the same problems of evil and fear. Clearly, fear is not overrated.
