How does Simon change in Lord of the Flies? In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Simon is one of the most thoughtful and mysterious characters on the island. As the story unfolds and the boys become wilder, Simon’s experiences and perspective also shift. This article explores how Simon changes throughout the novel and what his transformation reveals about human nature and the themes of the book.
How does Simon change in Lord of the Flies?
Simon’s character in Lord of the Flies undergoes a subtle but significant transformation as the story progresses. At first, Simon is portrayed as a quiet, kind, and somewhat shy boy who helps others without seeking attention. For example, Golding writes that Simon “found for them the fruit they could not reach, pulled off the choicest from up in the foliage,” showing his helpfulness and caring nature.
As the boys’ society unravels, Simon becomes increasingly withdrawn and thoughtful. He often seeks solitude in the forest to reflect on what’s happening around him. This is seen when he “went where the just perceptible path led him,” distancing himself from the group to find peace and think.
Most importantly, Simon is one of the only boys who truly understands that the “beast” isn’t a physical monster but represents something darker within themselves. He says, “maybe it’s only us,” recognizing that the real danger comes from their own human nature.
By the novel’s end, Simon tries to share this revelation with the other boys after discovering that the beast is just a dead parachutist. Tragically, in their fear and frenzy, the boys mistake Simon for the beast and kill him. As Golding describes: “At once the crowd surged after it… The beast was on its knees in the center… screaming, struck, bit, tore.”
Why does Simon change in Lord of the Flies?
Simon changes in Lord of the Flies because the chaos and fear on the island force him to see the true nature of the “beast” and the darkness within the boys themselves. His experiences and insights set him apart from the others, making him more thoughtful and isolated as the story goes on.
How does Simon lose his innocence in Lord of the Flies?
Simon loses his innocence in Lord of the Flies when he is brutally killed by the other boys. His death marks a turning point in the novel, showing how the group has completely lost their sense of morality and goodness.
How did Simon change in Chapter 8?
In Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, Simon becomes overheated and delirious, leading to a hallucination where he “hears” the pig’s head—called the Lord of the Flies—speak to him as the beast. This experience leaves Simon deeply shaken, and he faints at the end of the chapter, haunted by the beast’s warning in his mind.
Conclusion
Simply put, Simon gains a deeper understanding of people, but this also makes him feel more alone. Simon’s growing understanding and his effort to tell the others the truth show how brave he is, even though it sadly gets him killed.