In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Jack is a character who embodies the primal instinct for power and control. As the novel progresses, Jack becomes increasingly savage, resorting to violence and murder to maintain his dominance over the other boys on the island. One of the most disturbing scenes in the book occurs when Jack and his hunters brutally kill Simon in Chapter 9 after mistaking him for a beast. While it is clear that this act of violence is unjustified, it raises an interesting question: how does Jack justify killing Simon to the hunters in Chapter 10? In this article, we will explore Jack’s reasoning behind this heinous act and what it reveals about his character.
How does Jack justify killing Simon to the hunters? (Answer)
In the book Lord of the Flies, Jack justifies killing Simon to the hunters by claiming that when Simon crawled out of the forest, he was dressed in disguise as the Beast himself. He convinces this tribe of hunters that they were simply defending themselves against the feared monster and that Simon’s death in Chapter 9 was a necessary act of self-defense. However, this justification is clearly flawed as it is based on a misunderstanding of what actually happened and reflects Jack’s increasing paranoia and savagery.
How does Jack account for the death of Simon to his tribe in Chapter 10?
In Chapter 10 of Lord of the Flies, Jack accounts for the death of Simon to his tribe by blaming it on the Beast. He tells his tribe that Simon was dressed in disguise as the Beast. Jack attempts to shift the blame away from himself and onto the perceived evil on the island. However, it is clear to the reader that Jack and his followers are responsible for Simon’s death, as they were the ones who participated in a violent ritualistic dance that ultimately led to Simon’s demise.
What is Jack’s opinion of Simon’s death?
Jack shows no remorse or concern for Simon’s death and his participation in it. In fact, he tries to justify it by saying that Simon was the Beast and that they had to kill him. He also seems to be more concerned with blaming Ralph for the chaos on the island rather than reflecting on his own actions and their consequences.
How does Jack react to Simon’s death?
Jack reacts to Simon’s death with a complete lack of emotion. He does not express any remorse or guilt for his role in Simon’s death. Instead, he remains focused on his own power and control over the other boys on the island. For example, Jack has Wilfred tied up and beaten in Chapter 10 for no particular reason, showing that he is becoming a cruel dictator. This lack of empathy and disregard for human life is indicative of Jack’s descent into savagery and highlights the dangerous consequences of unchecked power and authority.
Did Jack plan to kill Simon?
Jack did not plan to kill Simon. The killing of Simon was not premeditated and was a result of the boys’ collective hysteria and fear.
Does Jack help kill Simon?
Yes, Jack is one of the boys who participated in Simon’s murder. While he may not be the one who directly killed Simon, he is certainly complicit in the act and played a significant role in the events leading up to it.
Does Jack think Simon is the Beast?
The entire tribe, including Jack, believes that Simon is the Beast and that it can take any form or disguise.
What does Jack say about Simon’s death quote?
After Simon’s death, Jack denies that they even killed the “beast.” When Stanley suggests that the Beast may have disguised itself, Jack responds by saying, “We’d better keep on the right side of him, anyhow. You can’t tell what he might do” (Golding 161).
Why is Jack to blame for Simon’s death?
Jack is to blame for Simon’s death in Lord of the Flies because he led the group in a frenzied dance and chant that resulted in Simon being mistaken for the Beast and brutally murdered by the boys. Jack had previously established himself as a violent and aggressive leader who valued hunting and power over reason or empathy. He encouraged the boys to give into their primal instincts, leading them to become increasingly savage and cruel. Jack’s leadership style, combined with his encouragement of violence, ultimately led to Simon’s tragic death.
Does the conflict between Jack and Ralph cause Simon’s death?
The conflict between Jack and Ralph indirectly causes Simon’s death in Lord of the Flies. When Simon returns to the campfire to tell the group of boys that the “beast” they encountered is actually a dead parachutist, the boys mistake him for the Beast and brutally murder him. The boys are in a state of frenzy due to their fear and hysteria, which has been stoked by Jack’s manipulation and desire for power. Ralph’s inability to assert his authority over Jack also plays a role in creating an atmosphere of chaos that ultimately leads to Simon’s tragic demise.
Who claims that Simon’s death was an accident?
Piggy claims that Simon’s death was an accident, while Ralph insists it was murder.
How does Piggy react to Simon’s death?
After Simon’s death, Ralph says that it was murder, but Piggy insists that it wasn’t. Piggy reacts to Simon’s death by attempting to rationalize what happened and denying that any intentional harm was intended. He is unwilling to accept the harsh reality of what occurred and instead clings to his own perception of events. Piggy tells Ralph the boys were scared and ”He had no business crawling like that out of the dark. He was batty.” This reaction highlights Piggy’s tendency to cling to reason and logic, even in the face of tragedy or violence.
What happened after Simon’s death in Lord of the Flies?
After Simon’s death, a storm hits the island and symbolizes the chaotic and anarchic state of the boys. It also washes away the bodies of Simon and the parachutist, which erases any evidence that could prove that there is no actual beast on the island.
Why do Jack and his followers attack Ralph and his camp?
Jack and his followers attack Ralph and his camp because they want to steal Piggy’s glasses. The glasses are the only tool that they have to make a fire, which Jack needs in order to cook the pig he has hunted. Without the glasses, they will not be able to make a fire to cook the meat, so Jack sees stealing the glasses as essential for survival. This leads him to launch a raid against Ralph and his group, who have possession of the glasses.
What is it that causes Roger to say that Jack is a proper chief?
Roger says that Jack is a “proper chief” because he has devised a strategy to protect themselves on Castle Rock by having guards and a big stone they can roll onto an enemy. This quote shows that people desire leaders who give them security and protection, even if it means resorting to violence against another group. The fact that Jack has found a way to provide this security makes him appear to be an effective leader in Roger’s eyes.
Why didn’t the hunters steal the conch?
The hunters didn’t steal the conch because they were not interested in democracy and order, which are symbolized by the conch. The hunters were more focused on hunting and exerting their power over others. Therefore, they saw no value in stealing the conch as it represented something that did not interest them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jack justifies the killing of Simon to the hunters by manipulating their fears and insecurities. He paints Simon as the Beast they had been hunting and convinces them that they had no choice but to defend themselves. Through his charismatic leadership, Jack is able to convince the British schoolboys to follow him blindly, even if it means committing murder. His powers of persuasion highlight the dangerous power dynamics that emerge in a state of anarchy and emphasize the importance of strong moral leadership in times of crisis. Ultimately, Jack’s justification for killing Simon reveals his true nature as a ruthless and manipulative character who will stop at nothing to maintain his hold on power.