Lotf - Character Analysis Flashcards
Simon and his altruistic nature
He consistently expresses concern for the other more vulnerable boys - he picks ‘fruit they could not reach’ - even though he is a ‘skinny, vivid’ boy himself. His physical weakness, however, is different to the other boys’ savage weaknesses. Simon represents the goodness in all humans. But he is still over-ridden by the other boys, who called him ‘cracked’ [suggesting his frailness]. Even though Simon’s goodness is so strong the boys descent into savagery is stronger.
Simon’s connection with nature
[and Goldings use of pathetic fallacy]
Simon escapes to his secret nature glade in the forest where he wishes to be alone. Full of ‘candle buds’ - connotes calmness and tranquility. Golding shows this sanctuary to be the safest place on the island. The savage killing of the sow carried out by Jack and the hunters in this nature area is symbolic of the turning of power, even the safest place is invaded by evil. After Simon’s death, the weather becomes very calm- mourning of his death. His body seems to turn silver and ‘marble’ as its washed out to sea - water surrounds his head like an angels halo.
Simon as a christ like figure
He is able to prophesies. “You’ll get back to where you came from”
He is perceptive. He dies because he tries to tell the others the truth. Unlike jesus Simon’s death only leads to further savagery and doesn’t bring salvation. He comes to a true understanding that the problems stem form the boys’ relationships with each-other not from an outside force. Understands that everyone has a savage instinct
Simon’s death
Simon represents goodness in mankind. Simons murder is no point of return for the boys and reflects the progression from killing a pig to laughing as they kill one, ‘his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling’, then to killing a man.
