Setting

I found the setting described in the following passage very peaceful and memorable:

"Simon tured away from them and went where the just perceptible path led him. Soon high jungle closed in... He came at last to a place where more sunshine fell. Since they had not so far to go for light the creepers had woven a great mat that hung that the side of an open space in the jungle for here a patch of rock came close to the surface and would not allow more than little plants and ferns to grow. The whole space was walled with dark aromatic bushes, and was a bowl of heat and light. A great tree, fallen across one corner, leaned against the trees that still stood and a rapid climer flaunted red and yellow sprays right to the top." (p.57)

In my opinion, this setting is memorable because Simon is having his own private time out of the group, peacefully wandering in the jungle. He is enjoying the aspects of pure nature. He sees dancing butterflies; warm, yellow sunlight; and the candle-like, green buds. He hears delightful songs of the bird, the sound of the busy bees, and the crying of the gulls returning home. Moreover, as the sun submerges, the green buds open up, transforming into white flowers reflecting the starlight.

This fascinating scene is totally contradictory to the other boys' nature, which is cruel, savage, and diabolical. I could imagine myself walking around the jungle full of tall trees and curious-looking plants in the sunshine. I wondered what Simon was thinking while he left his group to have his own quiet time.