Chapter Nine: A View to a Death

Overview

• The chapter describes the buildup of a storm over the island.
• Simon wakes and stumbles upon the dead parachutist, realizing the "beast" is harmless.
• Piggy and Ralph discuss their situation and join Jack's feast.
• A violent storm breaks out, and in the chaos, Simon is mistaken for the beast and killed by the boys.
• Simon's body is carried out to sea.

Key Events

Storm Buildup

• Continuous buildup of clouds over the island.
• Daytime air rises from the mountain, creating a revolving mass of gas ready to explode by evening.
• Sun sets with brassy glare, draining colors from surroundings.
• Flies proliferate, especially around the pig's carcass.

Simon's Experience

• Simon has a nosebleed and falls asleep among the creepers.
• Wakes up disoriented, notices the "Lord of the Flies" on the stick.
• Pushes through the forest, weary and determined.
• Finds the parachutist and realizes the truth about the "beast."

Piggy and Ralph's Discussion

• Ralph and Piggy are concerned about the looming storm and their situation on the island.
• They discuss the other boys joining Jack’s tribe for meat and protection.
• Decide to join the feast to ensure nothing bad happens.

Jack's Feast

• Jack hosts a feast with meat and drinks, acting as a tribal leader.
• Ralph and Piggy join cautiously, receiving meat from Jack's hunters.
• Jack invites the boys to join his tribe, emphasizing fun and protection from the beast.
• Ralph tries to remind the boys of the importance of maintaining the signal fire.

Simon's Death

• A storm breaks out, and the boys start a frenzied chant and dance.
• Simon stumbles into the scene, trying to tell the boys about the parachutist.
• Mistaking him for the beast, the boys brutally attack and kill Simon.
• The storm intensifies, and the boys scatter as Simon's body is washed out to sea.

Themes and Symbols

• Civilization vs. Savagery: The boys' descent into primal behavior during the storm and feast shows the loss of civilized order.
• The Beast: Represents the internal fear and savagery within the boys, manifesting tragically in Simon's death.
• Nature's Indifference: The storm and natural elements act indifferently towards the boys' actions, highlighting the insignificance of human conflicts.

Important Quotes

• Simon to the clearing: “What else is there to do?”
• Jack: “Who’s going to join my tribe and have fun?”
• Chant during the dance: “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!”

Conclusion

• The chapter underscores the breakdown of order and rise of primal instincts among the boys.
• Simon's death marks a pivotal moment, showing how fear and hysteria can lead to tragic outcomes.
• The chapter ends with Simon's body being taken by the sea, symbolizing a return to nature and the loss of innocence on the island.