Skip to main content

How does Jack’s reaction to Simon’s death differ from the reaction of his followers in Lord of the Flies?

After the brutal murder of Simon, Jack insists that their gate must be defended and secured so that the other boys and the "beast" doesn't sneak in. The boys are all in agreement after Jack asks them if they remember how the "beast" crawled. Jack then mentions that the "beast" disguised itself and says that there is a possibility of it coming again. Stanley raises his finger and says, "But didn't we, didn't we---?" (Golding...

After the brutal murder of Simon, Jack insists that their gate must be defended and secured so that the other boys and the "beast" doesn't sneak in. The boys are all in agreement after Jack asks them if they remember how the "beast" crawled. Jack then mentions that the "beast" disguised itself and says that there is a possibility of it coming again. Stanley raises his finger and says, "But didn't we, didn't we---?" (Golding 160). Jack's immediate response is "No!" (Golding 160). The rest of the savages wince at the thought of murdering Simon and Jack begins to deny the fact that they even killed the "beast." Upon hearing this idea, the savages start to mumble and seem worried. Sensing their fear, Jack tells them to keep away from the top of the mountain and to give the beast the head of the pig if they go hunting. Stanley then says, "I expect the beast disguised itself" (Golding 161). Jack responds by saying, "We'd better keep on the right side of him, anyhow. You can't tell what he might do" (Golding 161). The savages consider his words and remain afraid. Jack knows that his words have an immense effect on the boys, and they will blindly believe everything he says.


Jack reacts callously to Simon's death and does not feel guilty about murdering him. However, his followers feel guilty and try their best to repress their memories of the horrific event. The savages are aware of the roles they played in Simon's death, but believe that the "beast" did, in fact, disguise itself. Stanley and the savages initially feel relieved that they killed the "beast" until Jack tells them that it is still alive. Jack understands the importance of using the boys' fear to control them, which is why he suggests that the "beast" has some sort of mythical power which allows it to disguise itself. Jack is essentially ensuring that the boys will always remain fearful and under his control. Instead of feeling guilty and upset about murdering Simon like the rest of his followers, Jack uses Simon's death to perpetuate the belief in the "beast."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the meaning of "juggling fiends" in Macbeth?

Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a... Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a sense of guilt, and that man tells him: Despair thy charm. And let the angel whom thou still hast serve...
Post a Comment
Read more

Discuss movements that were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and list one success for each group.

African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change... African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change for their agendas. Two examples of moveme...
Post a Comment
Read more

In Martel's Life of Pi, how does writing a diary help Pi Patel build on his leadership skills?

At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can... At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can do this by writing down events, problems and solutions, and reflections to look back on when confronted with repeated problems. It can ...
Post a Comment
Read more