Lord of the Flies Group

Question:

amiee
amiee
Student
High School - 9th Grade

How do Ralph and Piggy come to terms with Simon's death? Why the difference in their points of view?

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Posted by amiee on Tuesday May 15, 2007 at 4:59 AM and tagged with lord of the flies, simons death.

Answers:


  1. alanrice Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Both Ralph and Piggy understand, at some level, what has happened to Simon. Ralph tells Piggy, "That was Simon . . . That was murder," and struggles to comprehend the enormity of their action. Unfortunately, reason is not Ralph's strength, and he can only rock back and forth, murmering, "I'm frightened. Of us. I want to go home. Oh God, I want to go home."
    Piggy tries to rationalize the death by claiming that it was an accident, that they were scared, and that it was somehow Simon's fault: "He was batty. He asked for it."
    If Ralph understands but can't accept, Piggy accepts but hides understanding under a cloak of denial.

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    Posted by alanrice on Tuesday May 15, 2007 at 6:03 AM


  2. mrerick Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Piggy, as our surrogate adult, understands that although it was a terrible act, the boys must move on. His willingness to place the blame on Simon instead of everyone else is his way of placing this act hehind him in an attempt to still save civilization.

    Ralph has felt the weight of his leadership since the beginning. He has felt an enormous responsibility for the safety and well being of all of the boys. Although losing the birthmark-faced boy early in the novel, this loss truly shows how far the boys have come from "normal". At this point, Ralph feels that he has lost his leadership value, and it will be tough to salvage from here on out.

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    Posted by mrerick on Tuesday May 15, 2007 at 9:01 AM