Lord of the Flies Group

Question:

xtraordinarylina
xtraordinary...
Student
High School - 10th Grade

Why is Simon's dead body carried out to sea in terms of glorification?

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Posted by xtraordinarylina on Sunday October 28, 2007 at 6:56 AM and tagged with chapter 9, lord of the flies, style.

Answers:


  1. sullymonster Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    Perhaps the most symbolic character in the story, Simon represents the religious prophet or seer who is sensitive and inarticulate yet who, of all the boys, perhaps sees reality most clearly. Simon's special powers are signaled early in the story when, even though he is not one of the bigger boys, he is chosen by Ralph to join him and Jack to explore the island. Among all the boys, it is Simon whose behavior is perhaps the most exemplary during the first part of the story. He is Ralph's faithful helper in building the shelters. Simon alone recognizes that "maybe [the beast is] only us" or just a "pig's head on a stick."

    Like a religious character, Simon tries to share his knowledge with the boys.  He sees what the beast really is, and he runs to tell them, but he is murdered by the boys who misunderstand.  He is an innocent victim to human cruelty.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/flies/characters

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    Posted by sullymonster on Sunday October 28, 2007 at 7:12 AM


  2. renelane Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    Simon's burial at sea is done with a mystical fashion. The boys abandon him there, and the sea takes over the burial rights.

    There are glowing sea creatures surrounding his body, the water cleanses or purifies him as the blood is washed away, and the tides sweep him out to the sea. The mysticism of the moment-a force we cannot see, takes care of the burial ritual.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/flies/chapter-9-summary-analysis

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    Posted by renelane on Sunday October 28, 2007 at 7:14 AM