LOTF Ch.9 Summary

Chaos and Anarchy

Chaos and Anarchy

The state of disorder and lawlessness that takes over the island after the murder of Simon. The boys in Jack's camp become savage and inhuman, while Ralph's allies consider joining Jack. The storm that follows Simon's death symbolizes the chaos and anarchy that have overtaken the island.

The Beast as a Symbol

Jack uses the beast as a godlike figure to rule and manipulate his tribe. He attributes immortality and the power to change form to the beast, making it an enemy to be feared and an idol to be worshiped. The beast serves as a common enemy, a system of belief, a reason to obey Jack, and a system of primitive symbolism and iconography.

Simon's Murder and the Beast

Simon's murder is the inevitable outcome of his encounter with the Lord of the Flies. The Lord of the Flies foreshadows Simon's death and represents the savage instinct that exists within all human beings. When the boys kill Simon, they are acting on the beast within themselves.

Simon as a Christ Figure

Simon's death parallels that of Jesus, as both die sacrificial deaths after learning profound truths about human morality. However, there are differences between Simon and Jesus. Jesus was killed for his beliefs, while Simon is killed because of the other boys' delusions. Jesus died after conveying his message, but Simon dies before he can speak to the boys. Jesus' death offers salvation, while Simon's death exemplifies the power of evil within the human soul.