How is Piggy killed in William Golding’s classic novel Lord of the Flies? As the boys struggle to survive and maintain order, tensions rise between the different factions on the island, ultimately leading to tragedy. One of the novel’s most shocking moments is the death of Piggy, an intelligent but physically weak boy targeted by more aggressive and violent boys. In this article, we will examine the events that lead up to Piggy’s death in Chapter 11 and explore the significance of this pivotal moment in the story. Specifically, we will answer the question: “How is Piggy killed?”
How is Piggy killed? (Complete Answer)
In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Piggy’s death in Chapter 11 is a pivotal moment that marks the point of no return for the boys on the island. Piggy, a smart but physically weak boy, becomes a target of the more aggressive and violent boys as tensions rise between the different factions on the island.
The events that lead up to Piggy’s death begin when he and Ralph decide to go to Jack’s camp to retrieve Piggy’s glasses, which Jack’s group has stolen. When they arrive, they find that Jack and his followers have become more savage and violent, and they refuse to return the glasses. Ralph and Jack engage in a heated argument, which quickly turns into a physical fight. Meanwhile, Roger, one of Jack’s followers, is standing on a rock ledge overlooking the scene.
As the fight between Ralph and Jack intensifies, Roger dislodges a boulder from the top of the hill. The boulder hurtles down the hill and hits Piggy, who is standing below. The force of the impact knocks Piggy over the cliff, and he falls to his death on the rocks below.
Piggy’s death is a shocking and tragic event that symbolizes the complete breakdown of order and civilization on the island. It also represents the triumph of violence and savagery over reason and intelligence. Throughout the novel, Piggy represents the voice of reason and rationality, and his death marks the end of any hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict on the island.
Was Piggy’s death an accident?
Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies was not an accident. Roger intentionally threw a huge boulder from the top of the mountain, which struck Piggy and killed him instantly. Prior to this incident, Roger had been exhibiting extreme aggression and violence towards the other boys on the island, and his actions towards Piggy were a deliberate act of savagery.
Who is to blame for Piggy’s death?
Roger is to blame for Piggy’s death. As stated in the book, he purposely rolled the boulder down the mountain and did not warn Piggy or anyone else before doing so. Ralph even says that Roger had a “thirst for blood,” indicating his malicious intent towards Piggy. Therefore, it can be concluded that Roger’s actions were what led to Piggy’s tragic death.
What does Piggy’s death symbolize?
Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies symbolizes the downfall of reason and civilization on the island. He represents humanity’s intellectual and rational aspects, reminding the boys of the importance of order, rules, and cooperation. Piggy’s death signifies the loss of these ideals and the triumph of savagery and chaos. Ralph’s tribe, which had been trying to establish a democratic and civilized society, is weakened and vulnerable without Piggy’s guidance. Ultimately, his death is a victory for Jack and the other boys, who embrace their primal instincts and reject the constraints of civilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Piggy’s death is a defining moment in Lord of the Flies, and the circumstances of his demise illustrate the themes of violence, savagery, and the breakdown of civilization that permeate the novel. By dislodging the boulder that kills Piggy, Roger becomes a symbol of the destructive forces that have taken over the island, and the tragedy of Piggy’s death underscores the futility of the boys’ attempt to govern themselves without adult supervision.