In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, the death of Simon is deeply ironic. Simon is the only boy on the island who truly understands the nature of the beast, realizing that it is not a physical entity but rather the darkness within each of them. Despite his insight and his attempts to communicate this truth, the other boys mistake him for the beast during a frenzied dance and kill him.
The irony lies in the fact that Simon, who represents purity, goodness, and a Christ-like figure, is killed by the very boys he was trying to save. His death underscores the novel’s central theme: the inherent evil within humanity. The boys’ descent into savagery leads them to destroy the one person who could have led them back to civilization and moral clarity.
This tragic event highlights the loss of innocence and the destructive power of fear and mob mentality. Simon’s death is a pivotal moment in the novel, marking the point at which the boys fully succumb to their primal instincts, abandoning any semblance of order or humanity.