Important Lord of the Flies Quotes Meaning Explained
Lord of the Flies quotes are important to illustrate themes and ideas about human nature, morality, and society. They allow for deeper insights into the characters and story.
Furthermore, they often provide timeless lessons about human behavior and life.
50 Lord of the Flies Quotes With Page Numbers
1. “Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.” Quote Meaning
“Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (simon), Chapter 5, Page 89
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies reflects the human condition. It suggests that people create and project their fears and anxieties onto an external force – a “beast.”
The quote implies that people fear what they cannot control and will use an external force to explain the unknown.
Ultimately, however, the “beast” can be found within ourselves – in our human nature and the dark forces that drive us.
This quote speaks to human fallibility and how we can understand the truth about our actions even in our darkest moments.
It suggests we should look within ourselves to find the answers instead of blaming an external force.
10 Simon Quotes Lord of the Flies
2. “Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart.” Quote Meaning
“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (the narrator about Ralph), Chapter 12, Page 202
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies speaks to the loss of innocence and the power of darkness in all humans.
It expresses sorrow over the loss of innocence experienced by Ralph, symbolized by the death of his friend Piggy, whose wisdom could have helped them all if it had been heeded.
It is a reminder of the fragility of innocence and the ever-present potential for darkness to take over.
In this quote, Piggy is described as a “true, wise friend” who symbolizes Ralph’s hope for restoring innocence on the island.
His death marks the irreversible darkness, and Ralph’s tears for his fallen friend reflect this loss.
Ralph Quotes With Page Numbers From Lord of the Flies
3. “The thing is – fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.” Quote Meaning
“The thing is – fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Jack), Chapter 5, Page 82
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies reminds readers that fear is an illusion and cannot be used to control or harm them.
Fear is an emotion we experience in response to a perceived threat, but it cannot physically hurt us. It is easy to become overwhelmed by fear, but ultimately, it has no power over us.
The quote is a reassuring reminder that we can take control of our emotions and refuse to be controlled by fear.
The imagery of fear being a dream also emphasizes how irrational and fleeting it can be and encourages readers to find strength in their courage.
Lord of the Flies Characters List
4. “The greatest ideas are the simplest.” Quote Meaning
“The greatest ideas are the simplest.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Ralph), Chapter 8, Page 129
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies speaks to the power and importance of simplicity. It suggests that a great idea, solution, or action is not necessarily the most complex but, instead, is often the simplest one.
This emphasizes that it may be best to focus on what needs to be done and to avoid overcomplicating a solution.
It highlights the importance of understanding what’s essential and stripping away all that is unnecessary to address the issue more effectively. This quote reminds us to keep things simple and focus on what matters.
5. “Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!” Quote Meaning
“Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! 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?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The head in Simon’s hallucination), Chapter 8, Page 143
Meaning: Simon’s quote highlights an essential theme in the book: humans have an innate evil inside them.
Simon tells the other boys that they cannot simply hunt and kill a “Beast” because it is part of them and is what makes them do wrong things. In other words, the “Beast” represents the human capacity for evil and can only be controlled, not defeated.
The quotation reminds us that people must take responsibility for their actions and balance their instinctual desires and morality. Recognizing our inner darkness allows us to make good decisions and resist our base urges.
6. “What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?” Quote Meaning
“What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 5, Page 91
Meaning: This quote from the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding asks a fundamental question about human nature: are we, in our essence, inherently humane or savage?
The quote reflects the novel’s central theme, which is that individuals have a potential for both good and evil, depending on the environment in which they are placed. Golding implies that without the restraints of civil society, humans can easily descend into a state of savagery.
Ultimately, Golding suggests that we must be actively aware of this potential in ourselves and strive to remain civilized despite external pressures. This quote can be interpreted as a call to be mindful of our nature and take responsibility for our actions.
20 Quote From Piggy Lord of the Flies
7. “Sucks to your ass-mar.” Quote Meaning
“Sucks to your ass-mar!”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Ralph), Chapter 1, Page 13
Meaning: This Ralph quote encapsulates the chaotic and primitive society established by a group of boys stranded on a remote island.
This phrase exemplifies the callousness and lack of control over the boys’ emotions due to the absence of parental guidance or law enforcement.
It represents the raw anger, hatred, and disrespect that can come about when a society is deprived of the rules and regulations that keep it in check.
In this instance, the phrase is used as a form of insult against someone who has asthma, highlighting the group’s lack of empathy and respect.
8. “If faces were different when lit from above or below — what was a face?” Quote Meaning
“If faces were different when lit from above or below — what was a face? What was anything?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Ralph), Chapter 5, Page 78
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies raises profound questions about identity and our perceptions of reality. It suggests that what we know may not be true and that our perceptions can change depending on our perspective.
The quote implies that reality is subjective and that our environment and experience shape our identity and perception of the world.
Ultimately, this quote reminds us that neither reality nor identity is fixed and that we must always be mindful of our perceptions.
9. “The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.” Quote Meaning
“The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator), Chapter 5, Page 91
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies reflects the boys’ loss of innocence and order as they become more isolated on the island. It speaks to the power of fear, violence, and chaos to disrupt a society’s ability to remain peaceful and organized.
The idea that the “understandable and lawful world” was slipping away symbolizes a descent into savagery as the boys abandon their civilized ways and descend into chaos.
In the novel, this descent results from the external circumstances they find themselves in and their inner struggle between civilization and savagery.
This quote serves as a reminder of how quickly safety and order can be disrupted by fear, violence, and chaos.
10. “We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages” Quote Meaning
“We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English, and the English are best at everything.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Jack), Chapter 2, Page 42
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies reflects how society needs to have rules to remain civilized and orderly. The speaker suggests that, because they are English, they have a sense of superiority that should be used to help maintain order.
This quote highlights the importance of obeying rules and regulations to stay organized and civilized.
Moreover, it suggests that the English are better than others at following these rules and should, therefore, use their superiority to ensure everyone is living orderly.
Lord of the Flies Savagery Quotes
11. “A considerable part of one’s waking life was spent watching one’s feet.” Quote Meaning
“He found himself understanding the wearisomeness of this life, where every path was an improvisation and a considerable part of one’s waking life was spent watching one’s feet.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator about Ralph), Chapter 5, Page 76
Meaning: This quote from the book Lord of the Flies speaks to the difficulty and monotony of life, especially under difficult circumstances.
It highlights the exhausting reality of life, where every decision is improvisational and much of one’s time is spent simply focusing on day-to-day tasks.
Even amid chaos and confusion, life can be a grind, and people are often left to grapple with the sheer tedium of it all. This quote is a reminder to take time to appreciate life’s beauty and complexities, even when it can be mundane.
12. “They looked at each other, baffled, in love and hate.” Quote Meaning
“They looked at each other, baffled, in love and hate.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (the narrator), Chapter 3, Page 55
Meaning: The Lord of the Flies quote speaks to a complicated emotion shared between two people. The phrase “love and hate” indicates that the characters have strong and conflicting feelings for each other.
This could result from their past interactions, where they both experienced moments of hatred and connection.
On the one hand, they are baffled and confused by their feelings for each other; on the other hand, they can’t ignore the intensity of their emotions.
The quote suggests their feelings are so intertwined and powerful that they cannot be separated.
13. “Two continents of experience and feeling unable to communicate.” Quote Meaning
“They walked along, two continents of experience and feeling unable to communicate.”
―William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator), Chapter 3, Page 55
Meaning: This quote from the book Lord of the Flies speaks to the inability of characters to communicate effectively. This is highlighted by the imagery of “two continents,” which implies the vast and disparate differences between two distinct groups.
Though they are in proximity, their lack of understanding and receptivity to each other’s points of view makes communication impossible.
This inability to connect is a recurring theme throughout the novel, and this quote is a bitter commentary on how even those near can be so distant.
14. “Which is better–to have laws and agree, or to hunt and kill?” Quote Meaning
“Which is better–to have laws and agree, or to hunt and kill?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 11, Page 180
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies speaks to the idea that civilization and law are necessary components of human life.
On the one hand, having laws and agreeing to abide by them is necessary for maintaining order in society.
On the other hand, without civilization and law, people will turn on each other chaotically and violently, as evidenced by the conflict between Jack’s hunter group and Ralph’s group on the island in Lord of the Flies.
Ultimately, this quote suggests that laws and agreements are better than hunting and killing because they allow for more peaceful and orderly societies.
By understanding this quote, we can gain a better perspective on the importance of laws and rules in maintaining peace,
15 Jack Lord Of The Flies Quotes With Page Numbers
15. “I know there isn’t no beast—not with claws and all that.” Quote Meaning
“I know there isn’t no beast—not with claws and all that, I mean—but I know there isn’t no fear, either.”
Piggy paused.
“Unless—”
Ralph moved restlessly.
“Unless what?”
“Unless we get frightened of people.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy and Ralph), Chapter 5, Page 84
Meaning: This quote from the book Lord of the Flies highlights that fear of other people is more dangerous than any physical threat.
Piggy suggests it is possible to be scared of people, and Ralph then questions what he means. The underlying message in the quote is that although there may not be any physical beast, the threat of being scared of each other can be much more dangerous.
Fear of one another can bring out the worst in people, creating a hostile environment that can lead to violence.
The quote warns about the dangers of allowing fear to dominate our lives. It suggests that it can have terrible consequences if we are not careful and allow our fear to control us.
16. “Because the rules are the only thing we’ve got!” Quote Meaning
“The rules!” shouted Ralph. “You’re breaking the rules!” “Who cares?” Ralph summoned his wits. “Because the rules are the only thing we’ve got!”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Ralph), Chapter 5, Page 91
Meaning: This quote from the book Lord of the Flies highlights the importance of rules and structure in a society.
The protagonist, Ralph, is trying to remind his fellow island survivors that despite their chaotic situation, it is essential for them to abide by the rules and stay organized.
He believes the rules are the only thing keeping them from succumbing to chaos and lawlessness.
Ralph stresses the importance of following regulations for their group to work as a cohesive unit and survive on the island. This quote is a reminder that structure and order are necessary for any community, no matter the circumstances.
17. “People don’t help much.” Quote Meaning
“People don’t help much.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 3, Page 54
Meaning: The quote “People don’t help much” from the book Lord of the Flies speaks to a greater theme in the novel, the idea of man’s inhumanity to man.
This quote implies that people are often unwilling to help one another or even think about how their actions impact the people around them.
This attitude is seen in the novel when a group of boys is stranded on an uninhabited island and quickly turn on one another, engaging in cruel acts of violence and forming a primitive society.
The quote serves as a warning about how easily human nature can take control and lead to chaos if we do not take the time to consider how our decisions affect others.
It reminds people to be mindful of their actions and strive to help and support those around them.
18. “He lost himself in a maze of thoughts that were rendered vague by his lack of words to express them.” Quote Meaning
“He lost himself in a maze of thoughts that were rendered vague by his lack of words to express them. Frowning, he tried again.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator about Ralph), Chapter 5, Page 76
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies conveys the difficulty of communicating complex ideas without having the right words to express them.
It implies that Ralph, the novel’s protagonist, struggles with his thoughts and finds it hard to articulate them in words.
The quote demonstrates how language acts as a barrier, as we often take the ability to communicate our thoughts and feelings accurately for granted.
This quote serves as a reminder that there is often a gap between thought and communication, as we can not always put into words the thoughts that swirl around in our minds.
Even with the best intentions, we cannot express our deepest thoughts and feelings effectively.
The quote also suggests that Ralph’s difficulty articulating his thoughts is a sign of personal growth as he tries to make sense of his thoughts and experiences.
19. “the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.” Quote Meaning
“the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator about the conch), Chapter 11, Page 181
Meaning: This quote from the book Lord of the Flies symbolizes the island’s collapse of civilization and order.
The conch is a powerful symbol of democracy and order in the novel, and when it breaks, it shows how the boys have descended into chaos and savagery.
It also serves as an indication that their attempts to build a society have failed, and the boys are now living in a state of anarchy.
The breaking of the conch also indicates that the boys ’ attempts to create a society have resulted in anarchy and disorder.
The destruction of the conch is a stark reminder that without order and structure, any attempt at creating a functioning society will ultimately fail.
Conch Quotes Lord of the Flies With Page Numbers
20. “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.” Quote Meaning
“Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Jack and his group of hunters), Chapter 4, Page 69
Meaning: The quote “Kill the pig” from the book Lord of the Flies refers to a pivotal moment in which Jack leads an attack against a wild pig, marking the shift from an organized attempt to survive on the island to a violent, chaotic hunt for power.
The phrase also warns the boys that they may be reverting to a primitive, tribal mentality and savage behavior.
The quote symbolizes how vulnerable humans are to their baser urges and the consequences of letting them overtake reason.
It reminds us that unchecked instinct can lead to destruction and chaos, demonstrating how easily our society can be brought to the brink of collapse.
This quote is an important reminder that rationality and restraint should always be used when governing and leading others.
21. “If you’re scared of someone you hate him but you can’t stop thinking about him.” Quote Meaning
“I’m scared of him,” said Piggy, “and that’s why I know him. If you’re scared of someone you hate him but you can’t stop thinking about him. You kid yourself he’s all right really, an’ then when you see him again; it’s like asthma an’ you can’t breathe…”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 5, Page 93
Meaning: This quote from the novel Lord of the Flies portrays the complex relationship between fear and hate.
Piggy expresses this sentiment and speaks about Jack, who has become increasingly savage throughout the novel.
Here, Piggy acknowledges that he is scared of Jack, but at the same time, he cannot help but think about him. In some ways, Piggy still hopes that Jack is not as dangerous and cruel as he appears.
His fear and hate of Jack manifest in his inability to breathe when reunited, which symbolizes the tension between these conflicted feelings.
22. “His mind was crowded with memories; memories of the knowledge that had come to them when they closed in on the struggling pig.” Quote Meaning
“His mind was crowded with memories; memories of the knowledge that had come to them when they closed in on the struggling pig, knowledge that they had outwitted a living thing, imposed their will upon it, taken away its life like a long satisfying drink.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator about Roger), Chapter 4, Page 70
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies is a powerful observation and a symbolic warning against the dangers of unchecked power.
It describes the thrill of power Ralph’s tribe experiences after they close in on a pig and take its life.
The quote suggests that their power over the creature seduces them, and this thrill can be likened to a satisfying drink.
It serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when people become intoxicated by power and forget their role as stewards of the planet.
This unchecked power ultimately leads to chaos, destruction, and the eventual downfall of Ralph’s tribe.
Roger Lord of the Flies Quotes With Page Numbers
23. “Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life.” Quote Meaning
“Roger stooped, picked up a stone, aimed and threw it at Henry-threw it to miss. The stone, that token of preposterous time, bounced five yards to Henry’s right and fell in the water. Roger gathered a handful of stones and began to throw them. Yet there was a space round Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator about Roger), Chapter 4, Page 62
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies illustrates the power of civilization and its influence on even the most remote settings.
Roger, a young boy, is conditioned by a culture he has never known and still feels the weight of its expectations.
He cannot throw a stone at Henry as if an invisible yet strong force is holding him back, that of old laws and customs which still exist even in a remote location.
The quote suggests that in any given situation, the influence of civilization cannot be understated; instead, it must be respected and acknowledged.
It is a reminder of the power of culture and the importance of adhering to it. It is a timeless lesson that can be applied to many different situations.
24. “Ralph… would treat the day’s decisions as though he were playing chess.” Quote Meaning
“Ralph… would treat the day’s decisions as though he were playing chess. The only trouble was that he would never be a very good chess player.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator about Ralph), Chapter 7, Page 117
Meaning: This quote from Lord of the Flies highlights the limitations of Ralph, one of the main characters in the novel. Despite his natural leadership abilities, Ralph cannot make calculated decisions like a chess player.
He relies more on intuition and emotion than logic and strategy, often leading to hasty decisions and poor outcomes.
Though Ralph can keep the boys under control and organized, his haphazard thinking prevents him from making the best decisions and achieving the most successful results.
Ultimately, this quote suggests that Ralph is limited in leadership abilities due to his lack of foresight and strategic planning.
25. “people were never quite what you thought they were.” Quote Meaning
“He wanted to explain how people were never quite what you thought they were.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator about Piggy), Chapter 3, Page 54
Meaning: This quote reminds us that no one can be fully understood and that people are not always who they seem to be.
It suggests that there is more beneath the surface of a person than what we perceive and that assumptions based on first impressions can be inaccurate.
The quote serves as a warning to not judge a book by its cover, as one may never truly understand what someone is going through or how they think.
No matter how well one thinks one knows someone, many layers must be peeled back to gain a full understanding of them.
This quote serves as a reminder to not be so hasty in our judgments and to give people the benefit of the doubt.