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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."

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