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Character of Simon in Lord of the Flies
Lord of the flies character of simon essay
Character analysis of simon in lord f the flies
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All too often, people chose to only hear what they want to hear. This is a universal truth of mankind, and can be found all throughout literature. Moreover, this can result in the will and beliefs of an individual to be neglected in favor of the common belief, or the majority opinion. The favoring of the group as opposed to the individual is a main theme in numerous books and speaks greatly about human nature. In Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, Siddhartha, by Herman Heese, and To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, the will of an individual challenges the will of the group and or society, with distinctively similar outcomes.
Simon, in Lord of the Flies, stands up against the common beliefs of the group. When the group is discussing
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the beast, Simon stands up and says, ¨{...}what I mean is, maybe it’s only us¨(Golding, 82). Here, Simon goes against the collective belief, that the beast is a real, dangerous, living thing. Simon attempts to restore sanity to the group, albeit, unsuccessfully. Simon is unsuccessful as the group maintains their belief in the beast, which, ironically, would cause Simon’s death. Later in the novel, while wandering through the woods, Simon encounters the beast, who says to him, ¨I’m the beast, {...}I’m part of you¨(Golding, 117). Simon’s theory about the beast is proven true, although the group still does not listen to him. Simon, as the individual, is correct, although the group refuses to listen to the ideas of an individual. Once again, the beliefs and will of the majority trump the ideas of an individual. Then, after stumbling out of the woods, Simon is surrounded and killed by the savages, as they still believe that the beast is real. Unfortunately, the group did not listen to Simon as people tend to only hear what they want to hear, and it was easier for the group to think of the beast as a living thing, separate from them as opposed to something that lived within them. If the group had listened to Simon, his death and many others could have been avoided. Furthermore, Simon’s death is ironic as he insisted that the beast was not real, and he died as the savages thought he was the beast. To be brief, Simon’s ideas and beliefs as the individual are exceeded by the ideas and beliefs of the group. Similarly to Simon in Lord of the Flies, Siddhartha goes against the common beliefs and ideas.
For example, Siddartha chooses not to join the brahmins, which goes against what most people do to find enlightenment. Siddhartha goes against the grain to forge his own path as opposed to following the standard brahmin path to enlightenment. He realizes that the brahmins are influenced by wealth and lack the true dedication necessary to reach enlightenment, even though it is presumed that he will become a brahmin. Instead, Siddartha chooses to starve himself and join the samanas, as he believes that he needs to go on his own journey, away from home and the standard path. Later in the book, Siddhartha hears about a man called, the Buddha, who has reached enlightenment. After finding and following the Buddha, Siddhartha still feels incomplete, and far from enlightenment. Siddhartha realizes that enlightenment is an individual journey and thus cannot be completed as a group, or in the same way as another person. Siddartha chooses to leave the Buddha and his dear friend Govinda, in search of his own path, once again, going against the societal norm. Finally, Siddhartha is proven right as he reaches enlightenment, while the masses are no closer to enlightenment than when they began their journeys. Siddhartha reached enlightenment finally, after following the river by himself. He realizes, correctly, that the river represents and embodies life as a whole. As a result, Siddhartha is …show more content…
proven right. In this case, Siddartha, as the individual, eventually, trumps the will of the majority. Like Simon and Siddhartha, Atticus from, To Kill a Mockingbird, challenges the societal norms.
For instance, Atticus guards Tom Robinson all night to assure that he is safe. Atticus is right in doing this as if he had not, the mob would have killed Tom. The mob consists of a large number of men from all over Maycomb and the surrounding areas and thus represents the majority. Atticus, along with Jem and Scout, who represent the individual or minority, successfully stand up to the mob and defend not only Tom, but their beliefs too. Furthermore, Atticus explains to Scout that he knew that he would not win the case, but still took it as he could not live with himself if he had not. Here, Atticus explains to Scout that it is important to stand up for what you know is right, even if most people get angry at you for doing it. Atticus realizes that he most likely would not be able to save Tom, but he could not live with himself if he did not try, and stand up for what he thought was right at the same time. Atticus’ beliefs differ from most of the town’s beliefs, yet Atticus still stands up for what he knows is fair, which is a fair trial with an impartial jury. Later in the book, Tom is found guilty, despite Atticus’ efforts. Once again, the people, in this case the jury, only heard what they wanted to hear, as people tend to do. The jury went into the trial with the assumption that the black man, Tom, is clearly guilty and nothing would change their mind. It is easier for the jury
and the people of Maycomb to think of Tom Robinson as a malicious, black criminal, instead of looking at the evidence logically and impartially, and seeing that he was clearly innocent. As a result, Tom is eventually killed even though his only crime was being different. To be brief, Atticus and Maycomb represent the stereotypical individual vs. group/majority conflict. In Lord of the Flies, Siddartha, and To Kill a Mockingbird, the beliefs of an individual protest the views of the majority, with similar results. If the ideas of individuals are neglected, it can result in not only death, as seen in Lord of the Flies and To Kill a Mockingbird, but an overall hindering of a society/group. The society would be hindered as it would not examine all ideas impartially and thus not always choose the best option. Unfortunately, all too frequently, groups, towns, countries and even societies are held back as they only hear what they want to hear, but fortunately, it does not have to be this way.
Siddhartha has the urge to become enlightened There was something telling him to endure on his journey to enlightenment and thus begins the Hero Journey This is the first step towards his journey After seeing the Samanas, he decides he wants to follow in their footsteps to learn more about himself and the world that he has been sheltered from his whole life When he tells his family about his decision of becoming and Samana they refuse to let him go, especially his father who has done most of
In most any case you need to know how to be empathetic. Harper Lee teaches that throughout the book, mostly from the character Atticus Finch, the basic empathy for right and wrong. When Atticus is making his conclusion for the trial of Tom Robinson he says, “this case is as simple as black and white” (Lee 271). While this quote could have many interpretations, to me it seems that Atticus, a man who lives in the small town of Maycomb County, who was considered highly respectful, and kind and was thought of highly in the town, therefore his words were authentic, and truthful. He was put on this case and did he argue, or disagree, of course not. He knew it was going to be an unfair trial, and that he would get large amounts of bad responses from people for taking the black man’s “side”. He simply didn’t care the color of his skin, or what he was convicted of. He found the evidence he needed which most definitely concluded his defendant was not guilty. However when it came down to it in the south during the 30’s there was not a possibility of the black man being right, and the white woman being wrong. It wasn’t even questionable. Nevertheless, Atticus had empathy for the man, so he put time, work, and effort into finding evidence and proving Tom Robinson wasn’t guilty. Most importantly he tried to consider Tom’s feelings, and what he was going through, throughout the whole entire process. He had empathy for Tom
In his introduction, Atticus cautions the jury to be objective in their verdict, reminding them the doctrine of presumed innocence. He explains, “Gentlemen, I shall be brief, but I would like to use my remaining time with you to remind you that this case is not a difficult one, it requires no minute sifting of complicated facts, but it does require you to be sure beyond reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant.” His use of the word “but” is cautionary, warning the jurors that there is no place for personal bias in the court and highlighting their legal obligation. Additionally, he employs an impassioned voice in his emotional appeal, drawing attention to the ethical question of the trial. When he states, “This case is as simple as black and white,” he acknowledges the ideological nature of it, expressing distaste for the racial prejudice that brought Tom Robinson under the court’s gaze.
76). All of the spiritual aspects Siddhartha gained as being a Brahmin’s son and a Samana was turning into a memory because of his new pleasures. Siddhartha was not a man like he used to be. He went down a path that caused him to lose his kindness and became arrogant. Even though Siddhartha felt superior compared to the people around him, he had a feeling of becoming more like them. Also, he became extremely unhappy and hated himself for how he was. The teachings he learned from Kamaswami only lead to negative effects on Siddhartha. He did not gain a sense of enlightenment from having pleasure of being rich and gambling money. Siddhartha realized he needed to continue down a different path if he wanted to discover enlightenment. He felt this in his heart that made him reach for a new goal: “A path lies before you which you are called to follow. The gods await you” (83). Siddhartha went through a life of pleasures that only decreased his hope of reaching full
At the beginning of the book Siddhartha is in training to become a Brahmin and follow in the footsteps of his father. He is a promising young student who has everything going for him but he is secretly unsatisfied and feels that the path he is taking will not lead him to achieving enlightenment. Siddhartha feels he has already learned everything he can from his father and the surrounding community. He confides in his best friend and travel companion throughout the book, Govinda, and together they end up joining a group of Samanas. Siddhartha’s father is very unhappy but Siddhartha cannot be swayed and he leaves with the Samanas.
While the idea of attaining enlightenment can be taught, the method or path of attaining that enlightenment cannot be taught or passed along. For most of his life, Siddhartha tries to achieve enlightenment through the rejection of his desires, thus becoming a Samana. Soon enough, however, Siddhartha realizes that the path of the Samana is not the right one for him, and soon after he starts to study the doctrine of the Buddha. Yet Siddhartha soon starts to see flaws within the Buddha’s doctrine:
In the beginning, Siddhartha is having trouble finding peace and discovering the path to enlightenment. Siddhartha’s interactions with his family, the samanas, and the Buddha help Siddhartha to realize that enlightenment cannot be achieved with the guidance of a teacher. In the very beginning, Siddhartha’s father is the one who teaches Siddhartha about his culture and spirituality. Siddhartha is very young when he masters all his father’s teachings and realizes that, “his father was to be admired, quiet and noble were his manners, pure his life, wise his words, delicate and noble thoughts lived behind its brow—but even he, who knew so much, did he live in bliss?” (Hesse 6). Siddhartha knows that ...
Atticus shows great compassion and tolerance when he stands up for the Negroes. He stands up and represents Tom Robinson because he believes that everyone should be treated equally in the court of law. He knows that because Tom was a Negro there would be a slim chance of winning. That fact never discouraged him though because he says that the main reason he is representing Tom is because, ' if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature'; (75). He recited a speech, which clearly states that Tom Robinson is not guilty. In that speech he says, 'our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal'; (205). He believed that prejudice and stereotyping is wrong and he tries to teach these morals to Scout and Jem.
Sometimes to do the right thing you have to stand in there shoes, and walk around. Atticus finch uses that quote throughout the book, here is one example, “‘ You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”” (Lee 33). This is referring to walking in there shoes and see their point of view before u judge someone. Atticus is given the case of Tom Robinson, some say on purpose, but even tho he knows it will harm his family he is still going to stand by his beliefs and fight for Tom Robinson. Atticus says, “‘ But do you think I could face my children otherwise? You know what going to happen as well as I do… I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb's usual disease… I just hope Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me enough”’ when talking to Uncle Jack (Lee 100-101). This not only shows Atticus standing by his beliefs, but also shows Atticus doing this case not only for him, but to be a good role model to his children. Atticus looks at the whole picture when he makes a decision, and stands by his beliefs and wants his children to follow.
Atticus Finch shows, in many ways, the true definition of a hero, but no situation was more important than the Tom Robinson trial. In Maycomb, the thought of taking a negro’s word instead of a white man’s was ridiculous to the citizens, especially over a matter as serious as a black man raping a white woman. Regardless of this information, Atticus still takes on Tom Robinson’s case and tries to make as big of a difference as possible. When Scout asks him if he thinks that he will win the case, Atticus subtly replies “No, honey” (76). Atticus goes on to explain, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try and win” (76). Basically, Atticus believes that just because it is unlikely that he will win, it does not mean that he should just give up without trying. Throughout all the discrimination, Atticus remains tough and tries to achieve his goal, no matter how hard it is. This was an example of moral courage. Even Scout knows how hard her father is trying by comparing Atticus’ efforts to “watching Atticus walk down the street, raise a rifle to his shoulder and pull the trigger, but...
Atticus must live with himself before he can live with others. In the novel, Atticus even says, "Before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." This clearly illustrates how Atticus must do what he thinks is right because he can only live for himself and not others. Atticus demostrates this when he refuses to treat African Americans with disrespect, as many other people in Maycomb do. Atticus treats them as he treats everyone and how he wuold like to be treated. Atticus should defend Tom Robinson because he prides himself on his following the Golden Rule, and if he does not defend Tom Robinson, he could not live with himself. Atticus tells Scout he would not be able to show his face in town if he does not defend Mr. Robinson because he would be going against everything he believes in for what others what him to do. The people of Maycomb trust Atticus to stand up for what is right when no one else has the courage. Miss Maudie says, "Whether Maycomb knows it or not, we're paying the highest t...
After determining that the life of the Brahmins was not fulfilling, Siddhartha decides to follow the Samanas with his best friend Govinda (Hesse, 6-11). Siddhartha and Govinda shadow the ways of the Samanas until Siddhartha announces that he will be leaving them soon (Hesse 16-20). Siddhartha and Govinda hear that they will be able to hear the Buddha, which they then decide to tell one of the eldest Samanas about their departure, and he becomes immediately upset (Hesse 20-23). This illustrates that Siddhartha followed what he believed was going to be the way to achieve ‘oneness’ despite what anyone thought. Siddhartha and Govinda go out to find the Buddha to hear his teaching, while Govinda finds comfort in it and decides to follow him; Siddhartha is not so convinced and the friends part ways (Hesse 28-34). Even though
For example, Tom is put in a court case for a crime he does not commit. Mayella Ewell, a young white women, accuses Tom of sexual assault. This man is unfortunately victimized since his society does not believe he is innocent due to the color of his skin. Being the black man that Tom is, it is clear that “Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella opened her mouth and screamed” (241). There is no way that a black man’s word would override the voice of a white person. No testimony, evidence or speech can help Tom prove he is not guilty. Atticus understands that Tom is victimized by racism, so he explains: “When it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins” (220). It is both corrupt and cruel but that is how the injustice system works. Tom Robinson is powerless. Tom’s word has no power since his society will never believe him. His case is lost even though Mayella was the one to take advantage of his kindness. Plus Tom is never a real harm to the world for he is at a physical disadvantage. With his right arm missing it is almost impossible to cause destruction. As a matter of fact, Tom dies because of his disability. Since he knows he has no power to win his case he loses hope and attempts to escape prism. Tom is then shot multiple times and Atticus explains: “They got him just as he went over the fence…if he’d had two good arms
Throughout the tale, Siddhartha strives to be one with Atman, or internal harmony/eternal self, but by his own attainment. Even when he is offered the insight of Gotama, the divine and perfect one, who is the embodiment of peace, truth, and happiness, he refuses following him and decides to attain Nirvana in his own way. In this, Siddhartha shows his prideful nature but also reveals a positive aspect: self-direction. He realizes that others' ways of teaching can only be applied to their past experiences, but is still reluctant to ac...
Siddhartha, a member of the wealthy Brahmin Caste, is unhappy due to his inability to achieve nirvana. Siddhartha appears to be perfect, possessing the good luck, charm, and intelligence. This is what all Brahmins wish to possess. The young Brahmin cannot be taught anymore by the Brahmin teachings and rituals, and this makes him discontent. Siddhartha believes that knowledge is required to attain Nirvana and he feels that he is held down by his material possessions.