Simon and Ralph Comparison at Chapter 3
Uploaded by kelsey.lobsinger on Apr 14, 2000
Golding portrays the different characters and those ideologies that accompany them with a strong contrast in writing style. To further understand this we must compare characters from his Nobel Prize winning novel, The Lord of the Flies. A good example of this is Jack who represents evil, described at the beginning of chapter three, and Simon who represents good and spirituality, described at the end of chapter three.
Golding writes the story with the knowledge that characters who strongly dominate the plot at any given time of the book will become associated with the mood and imagery of their surroundings. When he writes about Jack he creates dark images, to represent evil. One of the ways that he does this is by placing Jack in a dark and unpleasant jungle. The jungle that Golding describes is also humid, and makes the reader feel uncomfortable. He also describes Jack as being similar to animals; "…Then dog-like on all fours…", "…flared nostrils", as to create an image of a character who is governed by instinct and savagery. The mention of dark sunburn and freckles splashes the image of red colour on Jack's character signifying rage and lack of control. Every move that Jack makes is described as quick and deceiving, and this prevents the reader from trusting or admiring Jack.
When Golding writes about Simon's sunburn, he describes it as a deep tan, which does not have the same connotation as Jack's red sunburn. Every move that Simon makes is slow and delicate; "…He picked his way up the scar…", "…He walked with an accustomed tread…". Simon is found in a beautiful scene with fruit trees, flowers, and honey bees. Butterflies dance, expressing the good spirit always accompanying Simon. Golding has the little ones who are the helpless and weak members of society seek Simon for aide in reaching fruit that they themselves cannot reach. This is done intentionally to show Simon's compassion, and Golding would not place Jack in a similar scenario. Chapter three concludes with white flowers opening to symbolize peace and love, the aura surrounding Simon.
It is nocoincidence that Simon and Jack are placed in such different circumstances and imagery. It is also no mistake that any similar movements and characteristics (sunburn) the two have, are described in such a way as to create differing connotations. Golding writes every sentence, places every image, and inserts every symbol with precision. He...