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      Exploring Simon's role as an outsider and as Jack's foil in 'Lord of the Flies'

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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what Simon represents in 'Lord of the Flies'.

      Key learning points

      1. Arguably, Simon is characterised as a self-imposed an outsider.
      2. Simon is thoughtful, insightful and spiritual, and has a deep appreciation and respect for all living things.
      3. Simon's ceremonious burial is arguably symbolic of his close relationship with nature.
      4. Simon is arguably used as a foil character to Jack - the two are opposites.
      5. Simon's character reminds us that there is innate good in mankind as well as evil - we don't have to choose savagery.

      Keywords

      • Compassionate - kind and considerate of others

      • Insightful - intelligent and perceptive - sees things differently from other people

      • Foil characters - two characters that are contrasted with one another to highlight specific traits and qualities

      • Spirituality - being in touch not only with oneself, but the world around one too, in a sensitive and intuitive way

      • Ceremonious - suggestive of a grand and formal occasion

      Common misconception

      Pupils often overlook Simon's significance in this novel.

      Simon is a very important character because he shows us that, in a world of evil, we can still act in a compassionate and civilised manner. Through Simon, Golding reminds us that our behaviour is a choice.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to explore an extract from Simon's ceremonious burial under the visualiser with your class. You could pick out the words on the task slide and discuss them as a group. There is real beauty and tranquillity in Golding's syntax as well as his vocabulary.

      Equipment

      You need a copy of the 'Lord of the Flies', Faber & Faber; Main edition (3 Mar. 1997) for this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of serious crime

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
       except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
       (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      Download starter quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Who is Simon in 'Lord of the Flies'?

      the group's leader
      an aggressive, strong-willed member of the group
      a physically-strong and skilled hunter
      Correct answer: a quiet, introspective member of the group
      an intelligent and strategic voice of reason within the group

      Q2.
      How does Simon die in 'Lord of the Flies'?

      he drowns while trying to escape the island
      Correct answer: he is killed by the other boys
      he falls from a cliff
      he is bitten by a poisonous snake
      he dies in the fire on the island

      Q3.
      Who is the only character to acknowledge how Simon really died in 'Lord of the Flies'?

      Jack
      Piggy
      Correct answer: Ralph
      Samneric
      Roger

      Q4.
      What does Simon come to understand about the "beast" on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'?

      that it is a real creature
      Correct answer: that it is a figment of the boys' imagination
      that it is a friendly animal
      that it is a group of wild pigs
      Correct answer: that the true beast is the evil inside mankind

      Q5.
      What is the idea of 'original sin'?

      the idea that a small number of men are born with evil in their hearts
      Correct answer: the idea that every man has evil within their heart
      the idea that men are not born evil, but made evil
      the idea that men can never be truly evil

      Q6.
      Starting with the first, put the events of 'Lord of the Flies' in chronological order.

      1 - A vote is held. Ralph is elected leader
      2 - Jack struggles to kill a pig, but vows to be ruthless next time.
      3 - A parachutist's dead body falls onto the island and hangs in a tree.
      4 - Jack and his hunters put a pig's head on a stick as a gift for the beast.
      5 - Simon discovers the truth about the beast, but is killed before he can reveal it
      6 - Piggy and Ralph go to Castle Rock to confront Jack about Piggy's stolen glasses.
      7 - Piggy is murdered by Roger. Jack orders the hunting and killing of Ralph.

      Assessment exit quiz

      Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What are foil characters?

      the protagonist and the antagonist are also known as foil characters
      two characters that are very similar, used to highlight specific qualities
      characters that are interacting with one another at any given point
      Correct answer: two characters that have opposite traits used to highlight specific qualities

      Q2.
      Which of the following statements are true about Simon in Chapter 1 of 'Lord of the Flies'?

      We learn that Simon is a popular choir member.
      Correct answer: We learn that Simon often faints.
      We learn that Simon is Jack's second-in-command.
      Correct answer: We learn that Simon is part of Jack's choir.

      Q3.
      In what way is Simon a self-imposed outsider in 'Lord of the Flies'?

      Correct answer: He refuses to get involved with the politics of the group.
      He is rude to the other boys, which isolates him from them.
      Correct answer: He physically isolates himself from the group - he seeks comfort in nature.
      Simon refuses to help with any of the group's chores, like making shelters.

      Q4.
      Which of the following words are used to describe the ceremonious burial of Simon in 'Lord of the Flies'?

      "rushed"
      Correct answer: "silvered"
      Correct answer: "gently"
      "dragged"
      "cleansed"

      Q5.
      Match the vocabulary up to its definition.

      Correct Answer:compassionate,kind and considerate of others

      kind and considerate of others

      Correct Answer:insightful,intelligent and perceptive - sees things differently from other people

      intelligent and perceptive - sees things differently from other people

      Correct Answer:spirituality,being in touch not only with oneself, but the world around one too

      being in touch not only with oneself, but the world around one too

      Correct Answer:ceremonious,suggestive of a grand and formal occasion

      suggestive of a grand and formal occasion

      Q6.
      Why might Golding have created the character of Simon in 'Lord of the Flies'?

      to explore the idea of innate evil and the savagery we are all capable of
      to represent democracy, order and logic
      Correct answer: to remind us of the innate good that exists within humanity
      Correct answer: to symbolise the death of innocence and purity on the island
      Correct answer: to show us how to form a respectful relationship with the world around us

      To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Simon's role as an outsider and as Jack's foil in 'Lord of the Flies', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...