Simon Symbolism In Lord Of The Flies

There are many important characters in the novels that we read, Scrooge from a Christmas Carol, Clarisse from Fahrenheit 451, and nearly every existing character within the works of Shakespeare. All of these characters have one thing in common. These pieces of writing all contain characters with deeper meanings. Specifically, William Golding´s powerful novel, Lord of the Flies, is basically about the intense struggle for survival between opposing clans of British boys on a deserted island. Almost every character within the novel has some type of significant symbol. Ralph symbolizes leadership and integrity, Piggy represents maturity, and Jack is defined as savagery. However, none of these characters compare to the strength of Simon,

He is often compared to as a ¨Christ Figure¨ in the allegorical novel because of all of the sacrifices Simon makes. While Simon could have been playing and having fun like the other boys, he sacrifices his time to gather food and build the shelters. Simon picks up Piggy's glasses when Jack breaks them. It isn't until we discover Simon´s nook, that we recognize his strong connection with nature. Simon also has visions of what is yet to come, much like the prophet, Daniel. Daniel had many spiritual visions, most notably, one about Jesus's second coming. He had this vision over 500 years before Jesus's birth. Simon has an odd feeling and he tells the other boys, “I think we ought to climb the mountain.” (Golding, 184). None of the boys listen, and Simon embarks on his own. On his way there, Simon dreams that he has a conversation with the pig-head, who is named, ¨the Lord of the Flies.¨ The head taunts him calling Simon a "Silly little boy.¨(Golding, 205) The head also provides insight on the beast´s existence by stating, ¨“Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!” as well as saying, ¨“You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you?¨ (Golding, 206). All of this causes Simon to have a seizure and lose consciousness. He wakes up, discovers the parachutist´s dead corpse, and concludes that the beast isn't a physical

The overall theme of Golding's novel is the intense fight between civilized and savagery societies. Simon provides a strong connection because he is deeply connected to nature and calmness in contrast to Jack, who is primitive and evil. His goodness causes Jack's savagery to intensify. When Simon gives his meat to Piggy, Jack responds to this by demanding that Simon must eat the meat Jack hunted. Jack realizes that his only source of control is the meat. Then, once the beast is brought up, Jack humiliates Simon for his belief that there is no beast. This is because if Simon sways the other boys to his side, savageness will lose control, a partial reason for why Jack killed Simon. Jack gathered all of the boys together, riled them up, and caused them to have a savage mindset. As a result, when Simon runs out of the woods to tell the boys about his discovery, the boys are unable to control themselves, and Simon is an unfortunate casualty. As a whole, Simon's character causes the novel's conflict to be more intense and make every page better than the