The perceptiveness of Simon’s character begins to emerge
at the end of this chapter. While a pair of butterflies danced around each other,
Simon “holding his breath he cocked a critical ear at the sounds of the island…the sea
breaking miles away on the reef made an undertone less perceptible than the susurration
of the blood”(51). Simon is portrayed as a naturalist who understands the nature of
the boys’ situation but also, the environment they have embarked upon. While the
majority is focused upon leadership, food, shelter etc., Simon focuses his attention on
his surroundings. The sea waves having less than a “susurration of the blood” (less
than a whisper) indicates how truly isolated the boys are. Lord of the
Flies is a psychological case study of school boys and how they evolve in a
climate of pure survival. Lastly, the island itself hints at a feeling of
mysticism. At the end of Chapter 3, the candle-buds are described to be opening their
flowers, and “their scent spilled out into the air and took possession of the
island”(52). The environment is all-consuming and so, it has a strong element of
influence upon any inhabitant.
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