16. (the role that the death of Simon plays in the boys' loss of innocence)

In my mind, the death of Simon represents a monumental tipping point in the boys' world.  Up to this point, there had been numerous signs that things were taking a turn for the worse.  From the circle game with Robert to the overall cruelty of the boys towards Piggy, there were inklings that the boys were not the same as they had been prior to their plane's crash on the island.  The death of Simon, however, dips into entirely new territory.  As Ralph says later in the chapter, "That was murder."  This is more of a realization in my mind than an accusation.  The fact that the boy are actually capable of killing more than just a pig could be what sends their ever so precarious society right over the edge.  At this point in the story, any innocence the boys had coming in has vanished, and the game has changed.  This death is very likely to lead to more dramatic instances, including the possibility of more deaths.  The boys have crossed a bridge, be it slightly unwillingly for some, and coming back across may not be a possibility.  This notion is reinforced by the fact that the leader of the savages' tribe is the most inclined to further violence out of all of the boys.  Jack has and has continued to show malice and increasing bloodlust throughout the story, and these qualities have only become more potent as time has worn on.  As it continues to wear on, Jack will surely become more inclined to further violence, and the pack of followers he has have already showed their willingness to kill.