Simon Flashcards
Analyse quote “Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind’s essential illness” Chapter 5
Simons inarticulacy is a key feature as he struggles to communicate something deeply profound : that the true beast is within the boys themselves. Golding implies that society often struggles to confront uncomfortable realities. Simon’s insight—that mankind’s “essential illness” is its inherent capacity for evil—is so unsettling that it defies simple explanation. This reflects a broader theme in literature and philosophy: the idea that some truths are beyond language and can only be understood on a deeper, intuitive level. The fact that Simon is the only boy to grasp this truth yet is unable to explain it foreshadows his tragic fate. Because he cannot make the others understand, they will later misinterpret him as the beast itself and brutally kill him. The use of Simon as a martyr for truth reinforces the bleak conclusion that humanity is doomed to repeat its mistakes because it refuses to recognize its own darkness.
Analyse quote “Simon found for them the fruit they could not reach” chapter 3
In Christian doctoring, christ is seen as someone who provides for others selflessly, just as Simon offers nourishment to the younger boys, who cannot physically reach the fruit. This mirrors the idea of a saviour figure who serves others. They gesture is particularly significant as it highlights Simon’s innate goodness, altruism and sense of compassion, in a society descending into chaos and savagery. This foreshadows his violent death, as Simon, like Christ, is rejected and killed by those he wishes to help. In this sense, Simon’s kindness becomes a symbol of sacrifice and the tragic consequences of truth-telling in a world that is resistant to it.
“Simon’s dead body moved out toward the open sea.” (Chapter 9)
The open sea is particularly significant here as it symbolizes both freedom and the unknown. The ocean is vast and uncontrollable, much like the primal instincts that are emerging among the boys on the island. Simon’s movement toward the sea can be seen as a final return to nature, suggesting that his innocence and goodness are being carried away from the violence of human civilization. The sea, often seen as a symbol of chaos and the subconscious, also implies that Simon’s spiritual purity is being swallowed by the forces of darkness and disorder on the island. Profound and tragic moment, Simon is portrays as a martyr for the truth about human nature and his death marks the irreversible collapse of innocence and civility on the island.
