The answer is tempered steel:)
He says this to reassure ralph that things will be ok. Simon is one of the most sensitive characters in the book and becomes aware of Ralph's worry. This is also an example of the books theme of herd mentality and social reliance since simon is aware of the effect his words and examples have on the others.
It creates an organized structure that allows Kennedy to counter the opinions of others.
A. to interpret a literary work in light of a single idea
Answer: Faith, Supernatural, and Suffering