Simon As The Christ Life Figure In The Lord Of The Flies

The Lord of the Flies was written by William Golding. Simon is one of the major characters in this novel. Simon's character lives by what is morally right as opposed to the rest of the island. Simon represents essential human goodness. There are many biblical parallels in the Lord of the Flies that result in Simon being compared to Christ.

One reason Simon is regarded as the Christ figure in Lord of the Flies is that he commits many selfless acts just like Jesus Christ did. Simon chooses to stay and help Ralph build huts rather than go play with the other inhabitants. Ralph compliments Simon by saying "Simon. He Helps. All the rest rushed off. He's done as much as I have" (54). Golding also illustrates Simon's generosity when "Simon pulled off the choicest from the endless, outstretched hands" (56). Jesus was well known to have been very generous and kind with children. Simon's generosity and unselfishness result in Simon being portrayed as the Christ figure.

Another reason Simon is paralled to Christ is that he has mystical qualities much like that of Christ. Many of the things Simon does are either unusual or supernatural. Simon tells Ralph, "I just think you'll get back alright," (111) even though he believes that he, himself might not get off the island alive. Simon foresees his own death; just like Jesus. Also after Jesus dies, his body magically disappears. Simon's death parallels Jesus' death. When Simon is killed and thrown into the water his body "lifted a fraction of an inch from the sand and a bubble of air escaped from the mouth with a wet plop...Simon's dead body moved out toward the open sea."

Finally, the striking resemblance between Simon's death and Jesus' death also equate to Simon being labeled the Christ figure in Golding's novel. Just like how Jesus is tempted by the devil in the events leading to his death; Simon is tempted