Final answer:
Ralph experiences distress and guilt over his involvement in Simon's death in 'Lord of the Flies,' leading to a pivotal change in his understanding of humanity and loss of innocence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ralph's reaction to his role in the killing of Simon in William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies is one of distress and guilt. Though the text your question is based on does not directly relate to Ralph or Simon, the sentiment of regret and self-hatred reflected in expressions of remorse such as "I hate myself for it" and seeking justification for one's actions in madness, jealousy, or vengeance can be associated with Ralph's feelings. In the novel, after Simon's death, Ralph struggles with the understanding that his actions, along with those of the other boys on the island, led to the tragic demise of Simon. Feelings of complicity and regret plague him as he comes to terms with the brutal reality of their actions.
This inner turmoil is part of the novel's broader theme of the loss of innocence and the inherent evil within humanity. As Ralph realizes the severity of their collective crime, it becomes a pivotal moment in the story that profoundly alters his perspective on their situation and on human nature itself.