Who was responsible for Simon’s death in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”? While multiple factors contribute to the tragedy, it is clear that Jack Merridew, one of the main characters, played a direct role in Simon’s demise. As he and the boys gathered in a circle to perform their savage dance, Jack was completely aware that they were killing something. Jack savagely rallied the boys at the feast that preceded the attack, urging them to perform their dance and sing their chant. With his encouragement, the boys descended into violence and ultimately beat Simon to death. This article will explore Jack’s role in Simon’s death and the larger themes of savagery and morality in Lord of the Flies.
Who was responsible for Simon’s death? (Complete Answer)
William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” is a gripping tale of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. Struggling to survive and build society, they quickly descend into savagery and violence. One of the book’s most haunting and tragic moments is the death of Simon, a character who represents innocence and purity. The question of who is responsible for Simon’s death in Chapter 9 is complex. However, there is compelling evidence that Jack Merridew, one of the main characters, played a direct role in his demise.
Jack’s involvement in Simon’s death is apparent from the events that led up to the tragedy. During one of their hunting expeditions, Jack and a group of boys stumbled upon Simon, who was meditating alone in a secluded spot. Mistaking him for the “beast,” they attacked and beat him to death. Jack was fully aware of what he and the boys were doing and actively encouraged them to participate in the brutal act. Jack savagely rallied the boys at the feast that preceded the attack, urging them to perform their dance and sing their chant. He said, “Do our dance! Come on! Dance!” This chant and dance represented their savage nature, and Jack’s urging shows he was fully aware of the consequences of their actions.
Furthermore, Jack’s obsession with hunting and killing contributed to Simon’s death. He saw hunting as a way to assert his power and control over the other boys and was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. This single-minded focus on hunting and killing led to the boys becoming increasingly violent and savage, ultimately culminating in Simon’s death.
One could argue that by being complicit in the attack and failing to intervene, the other boys also bear some responsibility for Simon’s death. However, Jack’s role in the tragedy is particularly significant, as he was the one who actively encouraged the boys to participate in the attack and was fully aware of what they were doing.
Was Simon’s death an accident?
Simon’s death in Lord of the Flies was not intentional, but it was not entirely an accident either. Simon was killed during a ritualistic dance that turned savage, where the boys mistook him for the beast and attacked him. Although the boys did not intend to kill Simon specifically, they were caught up in the frenzy and did not recognize him in the darkness. The circumstances leading up to Simon’s death, such as the group’s descent into brutality and their increasing fear and paranoia, ultimately contributed to his tragic demise.
How did Simon die?
Simon was killed by the rest of the boys on the island, who mistook him for the beast that they feared. In a frenzied dance, they attacked Simon and beat him to death with sticks and bare hands.
Is Jack responsible for Simon’s death?
While Jack is not directly responsible for killing Simon, he is a part of the group that was responsible for Simon’s death. When Simon stumbled upon the hunting circle, Jack was one of the boys participating in the frenzy that ultimately led to Simon’s death. Therefore, while he may not have delivered the fatal blow, he is still responsible for his role in the group’s actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of who is responsible for Simon’s death is complex and multi-faceted. However, Jack clearly played a major role in the tragedy. His obsession with hunting and killing, coupled with his savage urging of the boys, led to Simon’s death. The death of Simon serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked savagery and the need for a moral compass in times of crisis.