Embracing the Executioner

Simon's head was tilted slightly up. His eyes could not break away and the Lord of the Flies hung in space before him.

"What are you doing out here all alone? Aren't you afraid of me?"

Simon shook. "There isn't anyone to help you. Only me. And I'm the Beast."

-William Golding

The level of suffering among these children seems to be in direct proportion to their level of optimism. Aida in the West Bank and Joseph in Belfast are far more soured on life than are Boutros and Jamila in Lebanon, who have...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!