What does Jack say after killing Simon in Lord of the Flies? In William Golding’s classic novel, Lord of the Flies, the brutal killing of Simon by a group of boys stranded on a deserted island is one of the most haunting and memorable scenes. How did Jack justify the killing to the other boys? Shockingly, Jack claimed that Simon was not a fellow human being but disguised as the beast and deserved to die. But is this excuse enough to absolve the boys of their savage actions? Let’s explore this disturbing episode in more detail.
What does Jack say after killing Simon in Lord of the Flies? (Answer)
Jack is the hunters’ leader in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. Throughout the story, Jack’s actions become increasingly violent and savage, leading to the death of one of the boys, Simon. But what does Jack say after killing Simon?
In the aftermath of Simon’s death, Jack attempts to excuse his actions by claiming that Simon was disguised as the beast that the boys have been fearing. According to Jack, he and his followers mistook Simon for the beast and attacked him in a moment of panic.
This excuse is disturbing and reveals the depths of Jack’s depravity. By blaming Simon’s death on a false belief in the existence of a monstrous creature, Jack attempts to absolve himself and his followers of any responsibility for their actions.
It is important to note that Simon was not dressed in disguise. Jack’s claim is just an attempt to justify his violent behavior. Simon was a gentle and innocent character who often withdrew from the group to spend time alone in nature. His death is a tragic reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression and mob mentality.
What does Jack think of Simon’s death?
In Lord of the Flies, Jack’s reaction to Simon’s death is one of indifference and lack of remorse. He views Simon’s death as a consequence of his own actions, but instead of feeling guilt or remorse, he rationalizes it as a necessary sacrifice for the sake of maintaining power and control over the boys on the island. Jack does not show any sympathy or concern for Simon’s well-being, highlighting his increasingly savage nature and detachment from morality.
Throughout the novel, Jack becomes consumed by his desire for power and dominance. This obsession overshadows any sense of compassion or empathy he might have had at the beginning of the story. Therefore, when confronted with Simon’s death, Jack sees it merely as a means to solidify his authority rather than a tragedy that should elicit remorse or reflection. His lack of emotional response to Simon’s death further illustrates the descent into savagery that ultimately leads to chaos and destruction on the island.
Why is Jack responsible for Simon’s death?
Jack is responsible for Simon’s death in Lord of the Flies because he created an environment of fear and violence within his tribe. By using the promise of protection from the beast, Jack manipulates his tribe members into joining him, instilling a sense of paranoia and hysteria. During the feast, when Simon approached to share his revelation about the true nature of the “beast,” the boys were already consumed by fear and aggression. In this heightened state, they mistook Simon for the beast and brutally beat him to death. Jack’s manipulation and fostering of fear ultimately led to Simon’s tragic demise.
Furthermore, Jack’s lack of leadership and failure to maintain order further contributed to Simon’s death. As the leader of his tribe, it was Jack’s responsibility to ensure that his followers remained rational and level-headed in times of crisis. Instead, he allowed fear to reign supreme, leading to a breakdown in communication and understanding among his group members. This lack of control resulted in them mistaking Simon for the beast and ultimately causing his fatal injury. Thus, Jack is responsible for creating an atmosphere that leads to Simon’s tragic death.
How did the boys react to Simon’s death?
The boys’ reactions to Simon’s death in Lord of the Flies are characterized by a mixture of physical and emotional distress. They are physically hurt, feeling sore and bruised from the violence that took place. Additionally, they are deeply ashamed of what occurred, recognizing that their actions led to Simon’s demise.
Among the boys, Ralph responds to Simon’s death with honesty and shock. He openly acknowledges the gravity of the situation by accepting it as murder, indicating a level of self-awareness and remorse for what has happened. In contrast, Piggy claims it was an accident.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jack’s excuse for killing Simon in Lord of the Flies is a disturbing attempt to justify his violent actions. The truth is that Simon was not dressed in disguise, and his death was a tragic result of the boys’ descent into savagery. The novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked aggression and the importance of maintaining a sense of morality and compassion in the face of adversity.