“Do the boys realize Simon was the beast?” is a question that has been frequently asked by readers of William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies”. The answer to this question is not straightforward. What happens on the island is complex, and the boys’ actions are often driven by their primal instincts rather than rational thought.
Do the boys realize Simon was the beast? (Answer)
Towards the end of the novel, the boys experience a frenzy triggered by fear and violence. They descend upon Simon, who has gone to inform them about his discovery that there was no beast on the island. Unfortunately, in their wild state, they do not recognize Simon and assume he is the beast they have been hunting. They shout and attack him with bare hands and teeth. Tragically, Simon dies.
Some readers may argue that, at least at some level, one or two of the boys might have realized that it was Simon they were attacking. However, it is impossible to tell for sure as there is no evidence supporting this theory in Golding’s text. It seems more likely that the boys were so caught up in their primitive behavior – screaming, dancing wildly, and even chanting – that they do not recognize Simon until it’s too late.
It’s worth noting here that Simon has always stood apart from others on the island because he often retreats into himself to think deeply about what is happening around him. He does so when he discovers what he believes could be a way for them to escape. Again, he retreats into himself when he realizes there might be no physical creature on top of Castle Rock but another kind lurking within themselves. He does so again when trying to articulate these insights to his fellow survivors.
What does Simon realize the beast really is?
Simon realizes that the beast they fear is not something external but rather the inherent evil inside each one of them.
Why did the boys mistake Simon for the beast?
The boys mistook Simon for the beast because they encountered a downed parachutist on the island, and in their fear and confusion, they believed it to be a terrifying creature. The darkness, their wild imaginations, and the distorted appearance of the lifeless figure led them to perceive it as the beast they feared.
Did Jack know the beast wasn’t real?
Yes, it can be inferred that Jack knew the beast wasn’t real. He confidently declares its non-existence because he claims to have thoroughly explored the island and never encountered any evidence of its existence.
How do the boys react to Simon when he tries to tell them the truth about the beast?
In a gruesome and savage display of fear and hysteria, the boys brutally attack Simon when he attempts to reveal the truth about the so-called beast. Overwhelmed by their primal instincts and consumed by their own paranoia, they mercilessly tear him apart using only their bare hands and teeth, tragically silencing the voice of reason amidst their descent into barbarism.
Why did the boys kill Simon?
The boys killed Simon because they mistook him for the beast. In their frenzied and fearful state, they were unable to recognize Simon as one of their own and instead saw him as a terrifying creature. This tragic misunderstanding led to a violent and devastating outcome, highlighting the destructive power of fear and the loss of humanity in extreme circumstances.
Was Simon’s death an accident?
No, Simon’s death was not an accident. It was a result of the boys’ collective fear and frenzy, driven by their primal instincts and the darkness within them. Simon’s murder was a deliberate act committed by the group, highlighting the loss of civilization and moral compass on the island.
What happens to the bodies of Simon and the parachutist?
The bodies of Simon and the parachutist are sucked out into the sea during a storm and are never seen again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while one cannot say for certain whether any boy recognized Simon as “the beast,” it’s clear from Golding’s text that this realization would have required enough clarity of thought, which was lost amidst their savagery at that moment. Ultimately, it is clear that the boys’ actions reveal their descent into primal behavior, showing that in specific contexts, humans are capable of incredible cruelty, even to those closest to them.