How Does Golding Present Simon In Lord Of The Flies

In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Golding writes about how British boys are stranded on a deserted island and try to survive. Ralph is the chief of all the boys and sent specific rules for all boys to obey. Eventually, there is a split between the boys where one tribe focuses on civilization while the other tribe focuses on savagery which is lead by Jack. Ralph is the realistic representation of a democratic government while Jack is a representation of a tyrannical government. Another character in the novel, Simon, does not support any side due to his allegorical representation of religion. Since Simon is the allegorical representation of a Christ figure, Golding illustrates the theme of man’s capacity for good and evil by

He displays this throughout the chapters of the novel in many ways. In chapter 3, Golding writes how “Simon found for [the littluns] the fruit they could not reach, pulled off the choicest from up the foliage, passed them back down the endless, outstretched hands” (Golding 56). Simon takes priority in helping and protecting others before taking care of himself to survive on the island. His character is admired by the littluns in what he has done for them, whereas the other boys, bigguns, have not done anything, like Ralph. Simon is compassionate towards others and is always trying to unite each boy from being harmed or harming themselves. Additionally, Simon tells Ralph: “I just think you’ll get back all right” (Golding 111). Simon has an instinct that Ralph will be rescued and make it back to his home safely. Because Simon is a Christ figure, he gives hope to Ralph and others just like how religion in reality does. Being positive has a great impact on other characters because it depicts how the mindset of each character can change when a strong character, like Simon, is dedicated and determined on the postive, such as surviving on the island when everyone works together as one and eventually being rescued by an adult authoritiy. Simon gives goodness to people and reassures them into thinking in a civilized, positive

Simon comes in contact with the Lord of the Flies, a pig’s head that has been staked on a stick in the forest. Through Simon’s vision, the Lord of the Flies starts to communicate with him saying “There isn’t anyone to help you. Only me. And I’m the Beast” (Golding 143). The pig head on the stick, which has been hunted for meat, is an offering from the savages to the physical beast that they believe exists on the island. However, the beast is not a physical figure, but an evil that thrives within each boy on the island. The Lord of the Flies translates to the biblical name Beelzebub, a powerful demon in hell sometimes thought to be the devil himself. Not only does the Beast tell Simon but it also says “I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are what they are?” (Golding 143). The Beast is to symbolize the savagery that has occurred among the boys and how it has been controlling their actions and decisions on the island. The Beast that lies in their heart is to be taking over the once civilized and innocent boys. Simon is the only character in the novel to develop the connection on what the beast is and what it has been doing. This illustrates how Golding focused on Simon, being the representation of religion, capable of seeing through the complications or conflicts that has occurred and find the true meaning and aspects of