What Happens at the End of Simon Birch? Simon Birch Death
by Kowsalya
Updated Jul 07, 2023
What Happens at the End of Simon Birch?
While Simon and Joe are on their bus ride home, a tragic accident occurs, causing the bus to crash into a nearby lake. In the chaos that follows, the bus driver abandons the children, and the reverend accompanying them is rendered unconscious. In this dire situation, Simon takes charge and assumes the role of a leader, determined to ensure everyone's safety.
With Joe's assistance, Simon orchestrates a successful evacuation of almost all the children. However, as they save the last child, Simon finds himself in grave danger and nearly drowns. Eventually, Joe regains consciousness in the hospital and goes to visit Simon, who is tragically on the brink of death.
During their conversation, Simon reflects on the fact that the children listened to him because of his small stature, which allowed him to escape through a window perfectly suited to his size. He also mentions holding his breath for an impressive duration of "200 Mississippi." Shortly after, Simon passes away, leaving Joe deeply saddened but grateful for the heroic actions and impact his friend had on their lives.
In the midst of these events, Joe experiences the loss of his grandmother during that same summer. However, just before his 13th birthday, Joe finds solace in being adopted by Ben Goodrich. The film then transitions to the present day, where an adult Joe stands at Simon Birch's gravesite. Joe's own son, who bears the name of Simon Birch, reminds him of an upcoming soccer game, and they depart, carrying the memory of Simon as a true hero with them.
Simon Birch Death
In the story of Simon Birch, the character of Simon tragically passes away. However, it's important to note that Simon Birch is a fictional character from the novel and film adaptation titled "Simon Birch."
As such, the details surrounding Simon Birch's death are specific to the fictional narrative and may not correspond to any real-life events or individuals. In the story, Simon dies after saving the last child during a bus accident and subsequent lake crash.
Simon Birch
Simon Birch is a 1998 comedy-drama film that loosely adapts elements from John Irving's novel "A Prayer for Owen Meany." Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, the film features a cast including Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello, Jim Carrey, Ashley Judd, and Oliver Platt. It diverges from the novel by omitting portions of the latter half and presenting an altered ending.
To respect Irving's wishes, the film takes on a different title as he believed that his novel could not be effectively translated to the screen. Irving himself suggested the name Simon Birch as a replacement for the character of Owen Meany. The opening credits of the film acknowledge that it was "suggested by" Irving's novel. The central story revolves around 12-year-old Joe Wentworth and his close friendship with Simon Birch, who was born with dwarfism.
Simon Birch Plot
The film Simon Birch follows the story of Simon, who is born as the smallest baby in Gravestown's history. Despite facing challenges due to his size, Simon develops a passion for baseball. Tragedy strikes when a foul ball accidentally kills Joe's mother, leading to Simon's guilt and a quest to find Joe's real father. Simon and Joe suspect their gym teacher, but their search proves fruitless. Despite their misadventures, Simon believes in his destiny to be a hero.
During a Christmas pageant, chaos ensues, and Simon is excluded from a retreat as a consequence. However, he discovers evidence implicating the local reverend as Joe's father.
While returning from the retreat, their bus crashes into a lake. Simon takes charge and saves most of the children, but he sacrifices himself to rescue the last child. Joe survives and visits Simon, who mentions how others listened to him due to his appearance and recall holding his breath for an impressive duration. Joe pays tribute to Simon as a true hero.
Afterward, Joe's grandmother passes away, and he is adopted by Ben Goodrich. In the present day, adult Joe visits Simon's grave, accompanied by his son named after Simon. They leave to attend Joe's son's soccer game, carrying the memory of Simon Birch's heroism with them.
Simon Birch Cast
Sure, here is a table listing the cast of Simon Birch and their respective roles:
Ian Michael Smith
Simon Birch
Joseph Mazzello
Joe Wenteworth
Jim Carrey
Adult Joe Wenteworth / Narrator
Ashley Judd
Rebecca Wenteworth
Oliver Platt
Ben Goodrich
David Strathairn
Reverend Russell
Dana Ivey
Grandmother Wenteworth
Beatrice Winde
Hilde Grove
Jan Hooks
Miss Agnes Leavey
Cecilley Carroll
Marjorie
Sumela-Rose Keramidopulos
Ann
Sam Morton
Stuart
John Mazzello
Simon Wenteworth (Joe's son)
Holly Dennison
Mrs. Birch (Simon's mother)
Peter MacNeill
Mr. Birch (Simon's father)
Thomas J. Burns
Simon Birch Stunt Double
Cast
Character
What Happens at the End of Simon Birch - FAQs
Yes, Simon Birch dies at the end of the movie. He sacrifices himself while saving a child during a bus accident and ultimately succumbs to his injuries.
Simon's death deeply affects Joe, who was his best friend. Joe remarks that he will always remember Simon as a hero and holds his memory close to his heart.
Simon mentions that the children listened to him because of how he looks, refers to the window he escaped through being "just his size," and mentions holding his breath for "200 Mississippi."
Joe's grandmother passes away during that summer, and he is subsequently adopted by Ben Goodrich just before his 13th birthday. The film transitions to the present day, where adult Joe visits Simon's grave with his son.
The movie ends with adult Joe at Simon Birch's grave, reminiscing about his friendship with Simon. Joe's son, who is named after Simon, reminds him of an upcoming soccer game, and they drive away, symbolizing the continuation of life and the lasting impact of Simon's legacy.