Simon Character Analysis in Lord Of The Flies (Book Analysis)

The beginning and the end of life are dominated by choices, instantaneous moments with infinite consequences. Human nature is the result of choices, creating the perception of good or evil in individuals. In William Golding’s Lord of The Flies, the development of empathy and growth in maturity shown by Simon suggests Golding believes humanity can reject the temptations of savagery.

Simon’s honesty and openness are the foundation of his evolution and immediately differentiates him from the rest of the boys on the island. Simon talks to Jack and Ralph about the island and the fears of the other boys:” As if it wasn’t a good island. [...] ‘As if’ said Simon, ‘ the beastie, the beastie or the snake-thing, was real. Remember?’ The two older boys flinched when they heard the shameful syllable. Snakes were not mentioned now, were not mentionable” (Golding 52).  The acknowledgment of the island not being good or bad establishes Simon’s cognizant and attentive nature. He also tries to understand the littluns' fear in contrast to Ralph and Jack viewing the island as freedom from authority. Simon seeks to understand and communicate the thoughts of those that can’t speak while not being considered a leader. Savagery overtook the boys because they failed to heed Simon’s word and deceive themselves.

Emotional intelligence and empathy showed by Simon construct his optimistic personality which provides a connection to the other boys. Simon and Ralph talk to each other while climbing the lagoon:” You’ll get back to where you came from. [...] Ralph was puzzled and searched Simon’s face for a clue. ‘It’s so big, I mean’ Simon nodded ‘All the same. You’ll get back all right. I think so, anyway.’ Some of the strain had gone from Ralph’s body.”(Golding 111). Simon’s recognition of diminishing hope and renewing Ralph’s belief is another sign of his emotional maturity. In a moment of weakness and negativity, the kind reaction prevents Ralph from losing another part of his civility. His warm heart and want to help others have a positive influence on his relationship with Ralph. Golding utilizes this interaction to project his belief that to reject savagery, optimism, and empathy are necessary.

Simon’s bravery and self-awareness prevent him from losing his civility and gives him the confidence to face the fears of the group. Simon is climbing up the mountain: “ He pushed on, staggering sometimes with his weariness but never stopping. The usual brightness was gone from his eyes and he walked with a sort of glum determination like an old man”(Golding 146). At last, Simon is the only boy that faces the beast and refuses to be blinded by fear and hysteria. The comparison of Simon to an old man demonstrates his wisdom beyond his years. Simon knows there is something unknown about the beast but he accepts the fear of the boys to alleviate those fears. His courage and seer-like nature separate him from the other group despite his youth. Simon accepts the weakness of others because he understands human nature and uses them to produce his strength. 

Finally, the death of Simon has a lasting influence on all of the boys especially Ralph, and forces him to acknowledge the evil deeds that were committed. After the island has been burned down, the boys felt the consequences of their actions” Simon was dead. [...] Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart”(Golding 202). Simon’s murder was caused by the failure to recognize their savage instincts.  All of the boys' participation in the murder provided them with a meaningful experience of the darkness of humanity. Consequently, they survived the island because of Simon’s sacrifice and his belief in the greater good. Humanity needs compassion and mercy to withstand dark experiences.

An individual’s existence is dominated by options that are selected and the outcomes configure the structure of life. Simon chose the option to reject savagery and to embrace the goodness of humanity. Golding constructed Simon to be strong to realize the shortcomings of human nature and wise to comprehend the imperfections. In conclusion, recognizing the evil in mankind supplies the solution to repudiating inner brutality.