Simon, one of the boys trapped on a beautiful, yet mysterious island, is acting more mature than others by showing his great compassion towards the younger ones, being responsible by contributing diligently towards the building of the shelter, and being calm during this urgent, yet fearful situation that everyone restless about.
Simon first shows his maturity by presenting his great compassion towards the younger boys both physically and intellectually. While Ralph and Jack, the ones that show momentous leadership among the crowd, are arguing prejudicially against the other's outlook of whether building a shelter is prior over hunting or the other way around, Simon interrupts them in the middle of their conversation to communicate the children's concerns. He expresses the fact that most children concern this "wasn't a good island" because they are afraid "the beastie or the snake thing, was real"(pg 53). The apprehension he has for the little ones is clear evidence that shows his maturity by caring for others.
English: Paul Simon, live in Mainz, Germany, July ...
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph PagliaAs the boys continue on their path of mutual dislike, Simon acts ignorant to the fussing of the other boys, for he "turned away from them and went where the just perceptible path led him" (pg 57). Indeed, he silently and unnoticeably "walked with an accustomed tread through the acres of fruit tress, where the least energetic could find an easy if unsatisfying meal" (pg 57) for the young boys. This event is an evident proof of Simon's compassion that results in his kind deed of finding food for the young children as he illustrates more maturity over others. In the meantime, Simon demonstrates adulthood by being the only one who helps Ralph through building a shelter while others had "been swimming" (51) outside, not carrying out their responsibilities.
Although Ralph shows inappreciation towards Simon's help, mocking him to be "buzzed off" and "queer" (pg 56) all the time, it is still evident that Simon is the only one among the group other than Ralph who concerns about the importance of building a shelter, where they will need when the weather "rains like when [they dropped in" (pg 52) the island. Simon is willing to make an effort in a job where no one cares to take a part in since it is stressful and boring. He shows true responsibility as well as maturity by taking action in this critical project. Lastly, Simon shows his mature personality by not acting disturbed and restless like the others during their present state. Instead, he is calm enough to enjoy the nature around him, for he came "to a place where more sunshine"(pg58) fell on him, climbs onto a mat of creepers, and remains there; he enjoys the tranquility of this spot, where he can be in touch with nature. Simon demonstrates maturity through his calm responses that clears out his mind, where he is able to deal with situations more effectively instead of fussing around like his companions. Thus, Simon is illustrated as a mature character throughout the whole chapter, for he has a kind nature within himself by being compassionate for others, concerns for them and takes care of them; showing responsibility for the his community as he takes part in the building the shelter with Ralph; and responding calmly during this fearful situations instead of fussing around like others. Simon is a character that truly demonstrates more maturity over others through his compassionate, responsible, and calm reactions towards the many conflicts that are going on around him throughout this chapter.