Often seen as the spiritual or prophetic figure in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Simon represents innate human goodness and possesses an intuitive understanding that eludes the other boys.
Shy and prone to solitary contemplation, Simon connects deeply with the natural world and is the first to grasp the true, internal nature of the “beast” plaguing the island. His attempts to share this crucial insight led to tragic consequences.
This analysis examines 10 pivotal quotes, 6 direct Simon quotes, 2 about him, and 2 to him. Organized thematically, these quotes highlight his kindness, unique perception, confrontation with the Lord of the Flies, and symbolic role in the novel.
Simon’s quiet nature belies a deep capacity for empathy and a unique connection to the island’s natural environment, setting him apart from the others’ escalating conflicts.
Innate Goodness and Connection to Nature
Unlike the other boys, Simon demonstrates inherent kindness and finds solace and understanding not in the group but in the natural world around him.
“We used his specs,” …“He helped that way.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Character: Simon defending Piggy), Chapter 2, Page 42
Early on, Simon shows empathy and recognizes Piggy’s value beyond his physical limitations, defending his contribution when others, like Jack, dismiss him. Explore Piggy’s role as the voice of reason.
“He helps.” He pointed at the shelters. “All the rest rushed off. He’s done as much as I have. Only— Simon’s always about.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Character: Ralph about Simon), Chapter 3
Ralph acknowledges Simon’s quiet diligence and loyalty, noting his consistent helpfulness when others abandon the necessary work of building shelters.
“I wanted—to go to a place—a place I know.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Character: Simon explaining his wandering), Chapter 5, Page 85
Simon seeks refuge and clarity not within the increasingly chaotic group, but in a secluded, natural sanctuary he discovers, highlighting his unique connection to the island itself.
Simon possesses a unique, intuitive insight into the island’s reality and the boys’ true nature, perceiving the ‘beast’ not as an external monster, but as an internal darkness.
Prophetic Insight and Understanding the Beast
Simon functions almost as a mystic, grasping truths that others cannot articulate or accept, particularly regarding the nature of fear and the identity of the beast.
“As if it wasn’t a good island… As if…the beastie, the beastie or the snake-thing, was real. Remember?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Character: Simon), Chapter 3, Page 52
Simon subtly connects the boys’ growing unease about the island with their fear of the “beastie,” hinting early on that the fear itself might be the true problem.
“Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Character: Simon), Chapter 5, Page 89
This is Simon’s most profound and direct articulation of the novel’s central theme. He suggests the source of evil is not external but internal, residing within the boys themselves.
“Simon stirred in the dark. “Go on being chief.” “You shut up, young Simon! Why couldn’t you say there wasn’t a beast?””
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Dialogue involving Simon and Ralph), Chapter 5, Page 93
Even amidst the chaos and dismissal, Simon quietly encourages Ralph’s leadership, perhaps sensing that Ralph, despite his flaws, represents the best hope against the encroaching savagery. Compare with Ralph’s struggle to maintain control.
“You’ll get back all right. I think so, anyway.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Character: Simon to Ralph), Chapter 7, Page 111
Simon offers Ralph direct, seemingly prophetic reassurance, suggesting an intuitive knowledge or faith that transcends the group’s desperate situation.
“There isn’t anyone to help you. Only me. And I’m the Beast. . .”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The Lord of the Flies to Simon), Chapter 8, Page 143
In his hallucinatory confrontation, the pig’s head confirms Simon’s earlier realization, explicitly stating that the ‘Beast’ is an inherent part of the boys.
“Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are what they are?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The Lord of the Flies to Simon), Chapter 8, Page 143
The Lord of the Flies mocks the boys’ attempts to externalize evil, confirming to Simon that the inherent darkness within them is the true source of the island’s breakdown.
“The edge of the lagoon became a streak of phosphorescence… Softly, surrounded by a fringe of inquisitive bright creatures… Simon’s dead body moved out towards the open sea.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Character: The narrator describing Simon’s body), Chapter 9, Page 154
Golding elevates Simon’s death with almost mystical imagery, associating him with light and nature even as his body is carried away, emphasizing his symbolic purity and the tragedy of his loss.
Conclusion: The Silenced Truth-Teller
Simon’s quotes in Lord of the Flies reveal a character uniquely attuned to the natural world and the internal landscape of human nature.
He represents innate goodness and possesses a prophetic insight into the island’s true ‘beast’ – the darkness within the boys themselves. Tragically, his attempt to deliver this truth results in his sacrificial death, symbolizing the destruction of innocence and spiritual understanding by primal fear and violence.
Contrast Simon’s quiet wisdom with Jack’s manipulative power and the other characters:
Discover All Lord of the Flies Analyses
A Note on Page Numbers & Edition:
These quotes offer a glimpse into Simon’s unique vision, but page numbers WILL vary across editions. Where available, citations (e.g., Chapter 2, Page 42) reference the Penguin Books, December 16, 2003, Mass Market Paperback edition (ISBN-13: 978-0399501487). Always verify page numbers against your specific copy, especially for academic work, lest your references become obscured like the truth Simon tried to reveal.
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the AAM framework) to distill timeless wisdom and contextualized quotes from classic literature, saving you time while deepening understanding. Learn more about Jeremy’s unique background and methodology on his author bio page.