How does Jack account for the death of Simon? As one of the most iconic characters in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” Jack Merridew is known for being a complex and fascinating figure. In the aftermath of Simon’s death, Jack offers a chilling explanation for what happened that night. He claims that Simon was not an innocent victim because he was dressed in disguise as the beast.
How does Jack account for the death of Simon? (Answer)
Jack’s explanation for Simon’s death is disturbing on many levels. For one thing, it suggests that Jack is willing to go to great lengths to justify his violent behavior. Rather than taking responsibility for his actions, he is trying to shift the blame onto an innocent victim who can no longer defend himself. This is a classic tactic of bullies and abusers, who often try to rationalize their abusive behavior by blaming their victims.
Furthermore, Jack’s explanation reveals a deep-seated fear and paranoia that has taken hold of the boys on the island. They have become so consumed by their belief in the beast that they can no longer see reality clearly. Even when faced with clear evidence that the beast is not real, they cling to their beliefs, using them to justify their actions and rationalize their fears.
Does Jack think Simon is the beast?
Yes, Jack does think that Simon is the beast. He claims that Simon really was the beast, suggesting that he sees Simon as a threat or an evil force on the island.
Who is to blame for Simon’s death?
In Lord of the Flies, the entire group of boys is to blame for Simon’s death. The boys, driven by fear and savagery, descend into chaos and lose their humanity. Their collective actions, including participating in the brutal killing of Simon during a frenzied dance, demonstrate their shared responsibility for his tragic demise.
Why do Ralph and Piggy decide to visit Jack’s camp?
Ralph and Piggy decide to visit Jack’s camp to retrieve Piggy’s glasses, which are essential for starting a rescue fire. Without the glasses, Piggy is unable to see clearly, and their chances of being rescued are severely diminished. By going to Jack’s camp, they hope to recover the glasses and ensure that Piggy can see again, thus increasing their chances of survival and rescue.
What does Jack set up a lever for?
Jack sets up the lever to control access to the “rock.” By placing the lever underneath a boulder, he ensures that anyone wanting to reach the rock must first cross the bridge. If the lever is pulled, it will destroy the bridge, preventing others from reaching their desired destination.
Conclusion
In the end, Jack’s excuses for Simon’s death are nothing more than a desperate attempt to avoid facing the truth. Instead of acknowledging the horror of what happened, he retreats into a fantasy world of his own making, where the innocent are guilty and the guilty are blameless. This is a chilling reminder of the destructive power that fear and paranoia can have on the human psyche and a warning about the dangers of allowing ourselves to be consumed by our own delusions.