Symbolism of Simon in Lord of the Flies

Questions and Answers

What does Simon represent?

Truth, innocence, the (little) true good in humanity.

What may Simon also represent?

Religious purity.

What do the adjectives 'batty', 'queer', 'funny', and 'cracked' suggest about Simon?

Simon is an outsider.

What interesting fact is revealed when Simon struggles to express evil?

It shows his innocence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the beast was harmless and horrible' imply?

The beast embodies both good and evil. Signup and view all the answers

How is Simon portrayed in body and character?

Weak and frail but prophetic. Signup and view all the answers

What comparisons can be made between Simon and Jesus?

Simon is loyal, helps others, confronts evil, and is ultimately murdered for bringing truth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon see when he looks into the 'vast mouth'?

A blackness that spreads. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Simon's Representation

Simon embodies truth and innocence, representing the inherent goodness in humanity.
He symbolizes religious purity, drawing significant parallels with Jesus through Biblical imagery throughout the narrative.

Simon as an Outsider

Descriptions of Simon as 'batty', 'queer', 'funny', and 'cracked' highlight his status as an outsider, similar to Piggy.
Unlike Piggy, Simon's peculiarities remain unexplained, enhancing his mysterious nature.

Expression of Evil

Simon struggles to articulate mankind's essential illness, signifying his deep innocence; he is detached from the evil pervading the boys.
His inability to verbally express the concept of evil emphasizes his physical and mental separation from the chaos.

Nature of the 'Beast'

The phrase 'the beast was harmless and horrible' shows a duality; the beast embodies both fear and truth, suggesting that good and evil exist simultaneously.
This complexity reflects humanity itself, indicating that individuals define their own notions of good and evil.

Simon's Physical Vulnerability

Simon's frailty and prophetic nature make him an individual thinker, paralleling Piggy's physical weakness.
Their incapacity to adapt to the brutal reality of survival on the island raises questions about strength and survival.

Comparisons with Jesus

Jack's portrayal of Simon as 'always about' suggests a sense of omnipresence akin to Jesus.
Simon's loyalty manifests through his assistance to Ralph and his solitary reflections, distinguishing him from other boys.
The confrontation with the Lord of the Flies symbolizes his battle against evil, leading to his martyr-like death while attempting to reveal the truth.

Foreshadowing Simon’s Fate

Simon's encounter with a 'vast mouth' filled with 'blackness' serves as foreboding imagery, representing the consuming nature of evil.
The overwhelming darkness he perceives foreshadows his violent demise, paralleling the boys' collective descent into savagery during his murder.

Description

Explore the character of Simon from the 'Lord of the Flies' through these flashcards. Discover how Simon represents truth, innocence, and religious purity, alongside the insights that highlight his role as an outsider. These cards delve into the deeper meanings behind his character and the biblical imagery associated with him.