In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, one of the boys tragically meets his demise. The boy who is killed in the story is Simon, a character who is portrayed as kind and thoughtful. Simon’s death is a pivotal moment in the novel, marking the point where the boys descend further into savagery and lose all sense of humanity.
Simon’s untimely demise occurs during a dark and stormy night on the island. He stumbles upon a horrifying sight, a dead parachutist who has landed on the island. Simon, being a compassionate and curious individual, investigates further and realizes that the supposed beast is nothing more than a lifeless body suspended from a parachute.
Filled with an overwhelming desire to share his discovery with the rest of the boys, Simon rushes back to their makeshift camp. However, as he arrives, chaos has already consumed the group. They have descended into a frenzy, driven by fear and their own primal instincts. The boys, in their frenzied state, mistake Simon for the beast they have been dreading.
In their delusion, the boys surround Simon, chanting and screaming, their fear and hysteria culminating in a violent attack. Even Ralph and Piggy, who had previously shown some semblance of reason and leadership, become caught up in the madness and participate in Simon’s tragic demise. It is a harrowing moment in the novel, as the boys, blinded by their collective fear, lose all control and give in to their most savage impulses.
The brutality of Simon’s death is magnified by the setting in which it takes place. The dark and stormy night, with its crashing waves and howling wind, adds an eerie and unsettling atmosphere to the scene. The boys’ actions are not only a result of their fear but also the loss of civilization and the breakdown of societal norms on the island.
After Simon’s life is cruelly snuffed out, the boys, now exhausted and drained, retreat into their own guilt and remorse. They realize the extent of their savagery and the consequences of their actions. In a moment of brief remorse, they decide to dispose of Simon’s body by carrying it out to sea, hoping to rid themselves of the guilt and horror they have unleashed.
Simon’s death serves as a powerful metaphor in Lord of the Flies. It represents the loss of innocence and the triumph of evil over good. Simon is portrayed as a Christ-like figure throughout the novel, embodying kindness, compassion, and a deep connection with nature. His death highlights the destructive nature of fear, mob mentality, and the inherent darkness that lies within human beings.
Simon is the boy who is tragically killed in Lord of the Flies. His death marks a turning point in the novel, where the boys fully succumb to their primal instincts and lose all sense of civilization. It serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of fear and the fragility of humanity.