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2 min read 22-01-2025

What Simon First Hides in Lord of the Flies? A Deep Dive into Symbolism

Lord of the Flies, William Golding's chilling novel, is rife with symbolism. One of the most debated and analyzed symbols is what Simon initially hides in the Lord of the Flies's head. This seemingly insignificant act carries significant weight, foreshadowing the boys' descent into savagery and exploring themes of innocence, darkness, and the inherent evil within humanity. Let's unpack this crucial moment.

The Significance of the Piggy's Spectacles

Before we delve into what Simon hides, it's important to establish the significance of the object itself: Piggy's spectacles. These aren't just glasses; they represent intellect, rationality, and civilization. Piggy, the intellectual voice of reason, is constantly reliant on his spectacles to navigate the world. Their loss would be a devastating blow, mirroring the loss of intellectualism and order in the boys' society.

Simon's Discovery and the Act of Hiding

Simon stumbles upon the Lord of the Flies, the pig's head impaled on a stick, a grotesque symbol of the boys' descent into primal instincts. He discovers this horrifying figure already adorned with flies and decay. In a poignant moment of recognition and understanding, Simon places Piggy's spectacles on the Lord of the Flies' head. This is the first and arguably most important object hidden on the head.

The Symbolism of the Spectacles on the Lord of the Flies

This seemingly small action packs a powerful punch. By placing the spectacles on the pig's head, Simon, perhaps unconsciously, connects intellect (the spectacles) with savagery (the Lord of the Flies). This action highlights the tragic irony of the situation: the tools of civilization are now associated with the embodiment of primal instinct and chaos. It suggests that even reason and intellect can be corrupted and twisted by the savagery taking root on the island.

Subsequent Additions and Their Significance

It’s important to note that other objects are later added to the Lord of the Flies. However, Simon’s placement of the spectacles is the first act of this kind, establishing the unsettling connection between order and chaos from the very beginning. The later additions further emphasize the boys’ increasing brutality and loss of humanity.

Simon's Understanding and the Foreshadowing

Simon's action foreshadows the ultimate fate of Piggy and the unraveling of order on the island. His understanding of the Lord of the Flies as a manifestation of the boys' inherent evil, even before the other boys fully grasp the symbol's significance, showcases his unique sensitivity and insight. The placement of the spectacles serves as an early warning sign of the potential for destruction that lies ahead.

Conclusion: A Powerful Symbol of Decay

The simple act of Simon hiding Piggy's spectacles on the Lord of the Flies is a profound moment in Lord of the Flies. It’s a potent symbol of the decay of civilization and the tragic intertwining of intellect and savagery. The act foreshadows the ultimate destruction and emphasizes the novel's central theme: the darkness lurking within the human heart. Simon’s quiet act serves as a powerful warning, highlighting the fragility of reason and the ease with which civilization can crumble in the face of primal instincts.