Simon
Extended Character Analysis
Simon is the one of the younger “biguns,” portrayed as thoughtful, gentle, and prone to fainting spells. He begins as one of the choir boys but he does not join Jack’s band of hunters, instead staying behind to help Ralph build shelters. Of all of the boys, Simon is the most concerned with the “littluns,” helping them pick fruit and soothing their nightmares. Simon is not truly outcast by either faction on the island, but due to his peculiar personality, he tends to be ignored and seen as “batty.” However, Simon’s insights tend to be chillingly accurate. He is the first one to recognize the true nature of the beast, correctly identifying it as a force within the boys themselves. He also communes with the Lord of the Flies, which taunts him about the nature of man and his impending death at the hands of the other boys.
Though all of the boys approach the island from an initial stance of wonder, Simon infuses it with a sense of magical and spiritual interconnectedness. He names flowers and sneaks off to a secret spot in the woods to meditate, admiring nature not for what it can do, like Ralph and Jack, but purely for what it is. Simon is established as the most empathetic and insightful of the boys, capable of seeing through the pervasive fear that the others feel.
One of his most notable observations is when he predicts that Ralph will get back to where he came from, noticeably not including himself in his prediction. This possible foreknowledge of his own death, along with his generosity towards the littluns and his communion with the Lord of the Flies, is often used to position Simon as a Christ-like figure. Ultimately, he dies as he attempts to deliver the truth about the nature of the beast to the other boys.
While Ralph, Piggy, Jack, and, to some extent, Roger, all represent different forms of social and political influence, Simon symbolizes a more natural sense of morality. Simon does not need to be told what is right or wrong, and he is distinct in that he does not participate in the depravity that the rest of the boys, including Ralph and Piggy, do. His inherent morality and overall goodness is placed in opposition to the overwhelming might of the Lord of the Flies, the inherent evil in all men. However, Simon’s innocence and goodness prove no match for the “darkness of man’s heart.”
Expert Q&A
What does "Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind's essential illness" mean in Lord of the Flies?
"Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind's essential illness" means that Simon struggles to convey the idea that the true danger lies within the boys' own inherent evil. During the meeting, he tries to explain that the "beast" they fear is actually their inner depravity, but he cannot find the words, and his message is lost amidst the boys' mockery and misunderstanding.
In Lord of the Flies, how does Simon's hiding spot influence him and his behavior? What is the significance of the described setting?
"Since they had not so far to go for light the creepers had woven a great mat hung at the side of an open space in the jungle; for here a patch of rock came close to the surface and would not allow more than little plants and ferns to grow. The whole space was walled with dark aromatic bushes, and was a bowl of heat and light. A great tree, fallen across a corner, leaned against the trees that still stood and a rapid climber flaunted red and yellow sprays right to the top.” (52)"
Simon's hiding spot in Lord of the Flies influences him by providing a secluded and tranquil environment, which relaxes him but also makes him more susceptible to delusions. The aromatic bushes and scenic flowers create a peaceful setting that affects his mental state, leading to cynicism and hallucinations, such as imagining the pig's head speaking to him. This isolation ultimately contributes to his vulnerability and tragic fate.
How does Simon's conversation with the Lord of the Flies develop a theme in the novel?
The conversation between Simon and the Lord of the Flies is significant in terms of developing themes because the severed pig's head elaborates on conformity, obedience, savagery, and the conflict between civilization and anarchy. The Lord of the Flies also addresses inherent wickedness and the theme of violence and hostility on the island during its conversation with Simon.
What kind acts does Simon perform for Piggy in chapter 4 of Lord of the Flies?
The first kind act in this chapter is when Simon finds Piggy's glasses for him after Jack knocks them off by smacking him on his head. The second happens when Simon gives Piggy his meat after Jack refuses to give him any.
Why does Simon's visionary role make him an outcast in Lord of the Flies?
Simon's visionary role in "Lord of the Flies" makes him an outcast because his understanding of the inherent evil within humans contrasts sharply with the other boys' fears of a tangible beast. His selfless nature and symbolic role as a Christ figure, who is ultimately killed by his peers, parallels historical visionaries like Jesus and Gandhi, who were also outcasts for their beliefs. Simon's insights challenge the boys' mob mentality, leading to his alienation.
Simon’s encounter with the Lord of the Flies
Simon's encounter with the Lord of the Flies symbolizes the inherent evil within humans. During this hallucination, the Lord of the Flies, represented by a pig's head on a stick, reveals to Simon that the beast they fear is not an external force but resides within each of them. This moment underscores the novel's theme of inner darkness and moral corruption.
Key quotes illustrating Simon's character and the themes of innocence and experience in Lord of the Flies
Key quotes illustrating Simon's character and the themes of innocence and experience in Lord of the Flies include: "Simon found for them the fruit they could not reach," highlighting his kindness and innocence, and "What I mean is... maybe it's only us," which reflects his deeper understanding of human nature and the loss of innocence.
Simon's Role, Death, and Symbolism in Lord of the Flies
In Lord of the Flies, Simon's death is a pivotal moment symbolizing the loss of innocence and the triumph of savagery. As a Christ-like figure, Simon understands the beast as the darkness within the boys themselves. His murder by the frenzied group, who mistake him for the beast, marks the collapse of civility and reason on the island. This act underscores the novel's theme of inherent human evil, with Simon's death foreshadowing further violence and chaos.
Simon as a Christ-like Symbol in Lord of the Flies
Simon in Lord of the Flies is a Christ-like symbol due to his moral integrity and insight into human nature. His conversation with the "Lord of the Flies" reveals that the true beast is the inherent evil within the boys, not an external threat. Simon's compassionate actions, spiritual insight, and ultimate sacrifice parallel Jesus Christ's life. His murder by the other boys emphasizes the theme of humanity's intrinsic savagery and the rejection of moral truth, marking a pivotal point in the novel.
The characters who assist and care for the littluns in Lord of the Flies
The characters who assist and care for the littluns in Lord of the Flies are primarily Piggy and Simon. Piggy shows concern for their well-being and advocates for their needs, while Simon helps them by picking fruit and providing comfort. Both characters display empathy and kindness towards the younger boys, contrasting with the more self-centered behavior of others.
Simon's background, family history, and interests in "Lord of the Flies."
Simon's background, family history, and interests are not explicitly detailed in Lord of the Flies. The novel focuses more on his symbolic role and actions on the island rather than his personal history. Simon is portrayed as a compassionate and introspective character, with a deep connection to nature and a tendency towards solitary reflection.
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