Simon: The Unsung Luminary in ‘Lord of the Flies’
William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" is a terrifying narrative of a group of youths who become vicious after being left on a deserted island. While significant figures like Ralph and Jack provide viewpoints on leadership and anarchy, respectively, they are not as prominent as Simon, the quietest of the guys, who serves as the story's moral compass. In the middle of the confusion and moral decay, he is an embodiment of purity, knowledge, and natural goodness. This is a fictional essay, and the references mentioned are real, but they might not necessarily delve into the topics discussed above. Ensure that if you're using this as a starting point, you reference appropriately and verify content from the original sources.
The Ethereal Nature of Simon
Simon often transcends the physical world, but the most of the lads are mired in the urgency of their circumstances. His repeated episodes of dizziness and his solitary forays into the forest imply a link to a world beyond of the physical. Simon looks for understanding and consolation, which are often found in the peace of nature, as opposed to those who want power or engage in games.
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There are many parallels between Simon and religious heroes, notably Jesus Christ. Both individuals represent goodness, selflessness, and an awareness of evil. Similar to Christ's temptation in the wilderness, Simon's interaction with the severed pig's head, known as the Lord of the Flies, represents a struggle between good and evil. He died tragically, like a sacrificial lamb who was misunderstood and slaughtered by people he was trying to rescue.
Simon is the only one who understands the actual nature of the "beast" while the rest of the gang dissipates into chaos. Simon recognizes that the true beast is the innate evil inside each of them, despite the lads believing it to be a physical thing. This deep understanding of the dual essence of mankind echoes several philosophical and religious traditions.
In addition to the lads' fall into savagery, Simon's murder is also a result of their need for a scapegoat. When civilizations fall apart, people often search for someone to blame, and in this agrarian culture, Simon is the obvious choice because of his ethereal traits. Both the group's innate depravity and their frantic desire to express their worries outside are shown in his death.
Conclusion:
Simon stands out in the "Lord of the Flies" setting, where people represent many sides of mankind. He lacks Jack's unrestrained ruthlessness and Ralph's regimented command. Simon, on the other hand, represents the book's moral and spiritual explorations. His terrible demise highlights the peril of virtue and knowledge in a world teetering on the brink of anarchy. The struggle of morality and the final sacrifice made by Simon serve as a sobering reminder of the depths of human depravity.
References:
- William Golding. In "Lord of the Flies."
- James R. Baker, "Why It's No Go." Essays in Criticism of William Golding.
- Ian Gregor and Mark Kinkead-Weekes. In "The Later Fiction." A Critical Examination of William Golding.
- Virginia Tiger wrote a paper titled "Rituals of Social and Religious Celebration in Lord of the Flies." Important Quarterly.
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Simon: The Unsung Luminary in ‘Lord of the Flies’. (2023, Aug 23). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/simon-the-unsung-luminary-in-lord-of-the-flies/
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