What kills Simon in Lord of the Flies? In William Golding’s classic novel Lord of the Flies, Simon is one of the key characters who meets a tragic end after discovering the identity of the true beast. The death of Simon is a pivotal moment in the story and raises important questions about human nature and morality. So what exactly kills Simon in Lord of the Flies?
What kills Simon in Lord of the Flies? (Answer)
The entire group kills Simon after mistaking him for the beast they all fear. Simon is one of the few characters in the novel who retains his sense of humanity and decency despite being stranded on a deserted island with no adult supervision. He is often depicted as an outsider who does not quite fit in with the other boys in his own tribe. However, he possesses a deep insight into human nature and seems to understand that there is something dark and dangerous lurking within each person.
In Chapter 9, Simon has a profound experience where he comes face to face with what appears to be the “beast” that has been haunting the boys. In reality, the true beast is just a dead parachutist that has landed on the island. After this encounter, Simon rushes back to tell his fellow boys what he has discovered.
Unfortunately, when he arrives at their campfire spot, the boys are all caught up in their own wild dance and frenzy as they enact their primitive ritualistic killing of an imaginary beast. Mistakenly identifying Simon as the “beast”, his own tribe attacks him violently with sticks and stones until he collapses onto the beach below.
It’s worth noting that this incident occurs during a storm which adds to its chaotic intensity, both literally and figuratively. The storm symbolizes how nature itself can be unpredictable and uncontrollable much like human nature.
Simon’s death marks a turning point in Lord of the Flies as it represents how easily man can revert back to his primal instincts without any rule or order imposed by society. It also suggests that there may be inherent evil within each person, an idea that Golding explores throughout his novel. Golding believes that there is a savage beast lurking within everyone.
Quotes showing what kills Simon (Cite these)
Here are three quotes from the novel “Lord of the Flies” that you can cite to show what kills Simon. Each quote comes with an explanation of how it shows what causes Simon’s death.
1. “There was a speck above the island, a figure dropping swiftly beneath a parachute, a figure that hung with dangling limbs” (Chapter 6).
Explanation: This quote describes the arrival of the dead parachutist on the island, which sparks fear in many of the boys and eventually leads to Simon’s death. In their heightened fear, the boys mistake Simon for the beast, which they believe has come to life and threatens their survival.
2. “The Lord of the Flies was expanding like a balloon…The body lifted a fraction of an inch from the sand and a bubble of air escaped from its mouth with a wet pop” (Chapter 8).
Explanation: This quote refers to Simon’s encounter with the pig’s head on a stick – also known as “the Lord of the Flies.” During this hallucination, Simon realizes there is no real beast on the island. He hikes back to the campsite to share this information with the group. However, the boys mistake him for the mythical beast and kill him.
3. “The sticks fell and beat upon [Simon]. At last Ralph stopped them… He [Simon] lay there crying…In front of him was broken open ground” (Chapter 9).
Explanation: This quote describes Simon’s final moments as his fellow boys beat him during their wild dance around what they believe to be the beast. The stormy weather adds to this chaotic scene, emphasizing how nature can be unpredictable and uncontrollable, much like human nature.
Each of these quotes contributes, directly and indirectly, to our understanding of what kills Simon in Lord of The Flies. The passages describe events leading up to his death, showing how fear can drive people toward violence or irrational behavior. Ultimately, Golding uses these quotes to explore his novel’s central themes of morality, humanity, and the potential for savagery within all people.
Does Simon kill himself in Lord of the Flies?
No, Simon does not kill himself in Lord of the Flies. He is killed by the other boys on the island during a frenzied and violent attack after they mistake him for the beast.
Who murdered Simon?
Simon was tragically murdered by the other boys on the island, who were caught up in a frenzied state during a nightmarish ritual.
What does Simon’s death symbolize?
Simon’s death in Lord of the Flies symbolizes the death of goodness on the island. As a compassionate and gentle character, Simon represents the innate goodness and moral conscience that exists within each individual. His murder by the other boys signifies the triumph of savagery and darkness over kindness and empathy, highlighting how human nature can succumb to its darkest instincts in an environment devoid of civilization and authority.
How does Piggy die in Lord of the Flies?
Piggy dies in Lord of the Flies when Roger pushes a boulder that strikes Piggy, shattering the conch shell he is clutching. The boulder’s impact also knocks Piggy off the mountainside, causing him to fall to his death on the rocks below.
Was Piggy’s death an accident?
No, Piggy’s death was not an accident. Given that his murder is described as the most intentional and inevitable on the island, it is evident that his death was a deliberate act carried out by another character.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all the other boys join in killing Simon after mistaking him for the beast they all fear. Simon desperately tries to explain that there’s no real beast and reminds the boys of who he is, but it’s to no avail. The scene highlights the novel’s central themes of morality, humanity, and the potential for savagery within all people. Through Simon’s tragic demise, Golding delivers a powerful message about human nature and the dangers of losing our sense of identity and compassion in a world without rules or order.