Final answer:
The boys mistakenly kill Simon in the dance, highlighting the theme of savagery in the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the dance described, when the boys think they are attacking the beast, they actually kill Simon. The tragic incident reflects the breakdown of societal norms and the descent into savagery on the island. The boys, under the spell of their own fears and the mob mentality, mistake Simon for the beast, leading to his death.
It appears you're referring to a scene from William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies." In the dance (or the "hunt") in the story, when the boys think they are attacking the beast, they actually end up killing Simon. The boys, caught up in a frenzied and primal state, mistake Simon for the mythical beast they fear and brutally beat him to death during a chaotic ritual.
This event is a pivotal and tragic moment in the novel, symbolizing the descent of the boys into savagery and the loss of civilization as their fear and primal instincts take control. It serves as a powerful commentary on human nature and the potential for violence and chaos when societal structures break down.