There is light in the darkness. The light is used to symbolize purity and divinity. Human nature’s evil often reveals the darkness within. Light is emitted by those who don’t let human nature rule them. Lord of the Flies makes this clear. After a plane crash, a group boys are stranded in an island. Simon, the only child left alive in the group of boys who are stranded on an island after a plane crash, is the only one to survive. Golding, in the four last paragraphs of the Lord of the Flies Chapter entitled “A View of Death”, describes the creatures as well the sky and the waters in an abundance of light imagery.
Simon was praised by the light imagery in the water and sky. Golding uses the description of the sky to emphasize Simon’s characteristics. Golding describes the “scattered sky” with “an incredible lamp of star”. Simon is referred to by the brightness of the stars in the clear sky. The only person who knows the truth about the beasts living on the Island is Simon. Golding uses a “lamp of star” to symbolize Simon’s apotheosis. This is because Gods are often regarded as bright, holy and luminous. This is to emphasize Simon’s inherent goodness. Golding uses Simon’s watery surroundings to portray a holy picture. The “streaks” of phosphorescence and “the tide rushed in” are both used to convey a holy image. The phosphorescence adds more light, while the tide symbolizes Simon’s cleansing from sins in preparation for his ascension. Golding uses water to symbolize the separation of Simon from the savages. Simon is calmer and more orderly than them. The author contrasts the chaos caused by the killing with the changing sky. As “rain” ceased, “clouds” drifted off. Clouds drifting away indicate calmness and peace. This transition is from the darkness of the savages’ invasion to Simon’s peaceful ascent. The contrast between Simon’s goodness and the evilness opposing him is highlighted in this transition. Golding uses planets to show Simon’s ascendance. “Over the darkened arc of the globe, the sun was pulling”. Earth’s Gravity pulls Moon, and Sun’s Gravity pulls Earth. The body of Simon is being drawn to heaven. Simon is portrayed as innocent by the brightly lit environment. Simon, his body, and the creatures are all symbols of his apotheosis. Golding uses bright creatures to adorn Simon’s body. “Creatures occupied themselves with his head”. The creatures resemble a halo. Halos usually surround godly beings or those who are enlightened. Golding uses this image to demonstrate that Simon has the qualities of an enlightened person, being the only pure one on the isle. Simon’s physical body is used to show how he resembles Christ. His body “lay huddled in the pale sand”. Golding doesn’t specify the way he lay, but it could be interpreted as a similar death to Jesus. Simon represents Christ because of the similarities that exist between him and Jesus. He died in the process of spreading the truth. Golding beautifies Simon to emphasize his importance. Nature “silverized” the line of Simon’s cheek and “brightened his coarse hair”. Simon’s radiance is enhanced by the brightness and silver. The book portrays nature as harsh and unyielding. However, this scene seems to show that the nature accepts Simon. Simon stands out as the only person in the book who is able to display natural goodness. Golding shows Simon’s dead body vanishing into the sea in order to demonstrate the loss of goodness. Simon’s ‘dead body’ moved towards the sea. Simon’s dead body is floating away as well as the light from the island. The boys will plunge the island quickly into darkness without light. Simon’s character is transformed into a heavenly one by using the creature images and portraying his body.
Golding uses imagery that is light to describe the various aspects of Simon’s environment. This includes the sky and water, as well as creatures. Humanity’s goodness and purity can be easily abused. Simon retains his humanity while the other boys have lost it. Simon is repeatedly worshipped throughout the entire chapter. He stands out because of his great qualities.
