Jane Rice: The Idol of the Flies
“The Idol of the Flies” is a short story by Jane Rice, published in June 1942 in Unknown Worlds magazine. It tells the story of Pruitt, a cruel and manipulative orphaned boy who lives under the care of his aunt and takes perverse delight in tormenting those around him. While his governess and the servants struggle to endure his whims, Pruitt indulges in sadistic games and disturbing rituals in which flies play a central role.