Post #2

April.18.2007
For this post I would like to talk about most likely one of the most important events that has and will ever happen in this novel. Although, many may think I am going to write about the fact that Jack left to make his own tribe, or that all the boys now believe the beast is real, these in fact, although important, are not the most important. First off I would like to analyze the character in which this whole important scene takes place around. Simon is and always has been a character with good moral, he has always been kind to the littleuns, and although shy and because of this feels “pressure of the assembly” and is unable to speak his mind, his thoughts are the sanest thoughts of the whole group. I believe that Simon could have been the one to lead them all to safety and could have kept all the boys under control. Simon was very smart to want to go back up into the mountain and be certain of the beast but because of his personality he was unable to suggest with authority. In this part where he finds “sympathy in piggy” we see where Simon holds himself, less than piggy. For the actual importance that Simon plays, we look at when he wanders off into the “creepers”. Simon uses nature to keep himself at peace. He is not really part of either tribe. Ralph stands for complete democracy where Jack it barbaric. Simon just uses kindness that he finds among nature. When Simon finds the pigs head he experience a complete fear, but not just of “the lord of the flies” but fear of what is taking place with the boys. When Simon starts to talk to “the lord of the flies” we find the beast or the lords’ symbolism which is, “the infinite cynicism of adult life”. Simon then makes one of the most important quotes in the book. He talks about the brutal killing of the pig and how it is driving all the boys to competition for power, where the killing gives them this strength. Simon says, “A gift for the beast. Might not the beast come from it?” This point sets up and proves the whole barbarian attitude that is happening in Jakes tribe, and even in Ralph when he fights for his power by trying to look stronger and ignoring his natural instincts.