What caused Piggy’s death? Piggy, one of the central characters in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” meets a tragic end. His death, caused by a boulder falling on him, is a pivotal moment in the novel, marking the loss of reason and order in the boys’ society. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to Piggy’s death and the factors that contributed to it.
What caused Piggy’s death? (Answer)
Piggy’s death occurs in Chapter 11 of the novel, “Castle Rock.” By this point, the boys have split into two factions. Ralph and Piggy’s group represents the forces of reason and order, while Jack’s leads the savage tribe that has devolved into primal savagery. Piggy and Ralph decide to confront Jack and his followers to retrieve Piggy’s glasses, which Jack’s tribe had stolen. The glasses symbolize knowledge, rationality, and scientific understanding, an essential tool for Piggy to think and see clearly.
As Piggy and Ralph approach the enemy camp, they call out to the boys, hoping to negotiate a peaceful solution. However, Jack orders his tribe to attack, and a fight breaks out between the two groups. During the scuffle, Ralph and Jack fight, and Roger, a member of Jack’s tribe, dislodges a boulder on the hill above them. The boulder rolls down and strikes Piggy, who is standing below, knocking him down the cliff to his death.
The cause of Piggy’s death is a combination of factors. Firstly, it directly results from Roger’s violent and sadistic tendencies. Roger, who had been throwing stones at the littluns earlier in the novel, has become increasingly ruthless and cruel under Jack’s leadership. He intentionally pushes the boulder off the hill, knowing that it will cause harm to Piggy.
Secondly, Piggy’s death is the culmination of the breakdown of the boys’ society, which had once been governed by rules, reason, and democracy. The rift between Ralph and Jack, which had been brewing since the novel’s beginning, has grown into a full-blown conflict, with both factions vying for power and control. The boys have abandoned their civilized values and are now ruled by their primal instincts, leading to violence and chaos.
Lastly, Piggy’s death symbolizes the loss of reason and intellect in the boys’ society. Piggy, who had been the voice of logic and rationality, is now gone, leaving Ralph as the sole defender of reason. The glasses, which had been Piggy’s link to science and knowledge, are also destroyed, further emphasizing the destruction of intellectual pursuits in the boys’ society.
Who was responsible for Piggy’s death?
In the book Lord of the Flies, Roger is ultimately responsible for Piggy’s death. Roger shows his sadistic nature throughout the story, enjoying inflicting pain on others. When he releases a boulder that kills Piggy, it is a deliberate and calculated act, demonstrating his complete disregard for human life and his desire to exert power over others. Therefore, Roger’s actions directly lead to Piggy’s tragic demise.
Was Piggy’s death an accident?
Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies can be seen as both accidental and intentional. While Roger’s act of pushing the boulder that ultimately kills Piggy may have been spontaneous, it also represents the increasing savagery and loss of civilization on the island. The boys’ descent into barbarity and their disregard for Piggy’s life contribute to his tragic demise, suggesting that his death was not solely an accident but a result of the deteriorating moral fabric among them.
What happens to Piggy’s dead body?
After Piggy is tragically killed by a boulder pushed by Roger, his lifeless body is taken away by the relentless ocean waves, washing away any evidence of his presence on the island.
What does Piggy’s death symbolize?
Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies symbolizes the collapse of reason and civilization on the island. His demise marks the end of Ralph’s fragile group, representing the triumph of violence and brutality over wisdom, kindness, and civility. Piggy, with his glasses symbolizing knowledge and insight, was the voice of reason among the boys. His death signifies the loss of rationality and moral compass within their society, further descending into chaos and savagery.
Why does Roger kill Piggy?
Roger kills Piggy because he has fully embraced the savage nature within him and has become a follower of Jack’s tribe. With no moral constraints or adult authority present on the island, Roger sees an opportunity to exert his power and inflict harm. He rolls a boulder down the hillside, intentionally targeting Piggy, who represents reason, intellect, and civilization. Roger’s act symbolizes the complete descent into savagery and the triumph of violence over reason in their isolated society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Piggy’s death in “Lord of the Flies” is a devastating moment in the novel, underscoring the breakdown of civilized society and the triumph of savagery. It symbolizes the loss of reason and intellect and warns of the dangers of unchecked aggression and violence.