What does Piggy call Simon’s death? In William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” the death of Simon is a pivotal moment that reveals the savage nature of the boys stranded on the deserted island. However, there is a disagreement between two of the main characters, Piggy and Ralph, about the nature of Simon’s death. While Ralph claims that Simon was murdered, Piggy insists that it was simply an accident. In particular, Piggy points to his broken glasses, which impaired his vision and prevented him from seeing clearly during the chaotic events leading up to Simon’s death. Furthermore, Piggy characterizes Simon as “batty” and suggests that he and Ralph should move on and forget what happened. This article will delve deeper into Piggy’s perspective on Simon’s death in Chapter 9 and explore its significance in the larger context of the novel.
What does Piggy call Simon’s death? (Complete Answer)
Simon’s death in Chapter 9 of the Lord of the Flies is a tragic and pivotal moment in the novel. The circumstances surrounding his death are contested, with two of the main characters, Piggy and Ralph, having different perspectives on what happened. Piggy insists that Simon’s death was an accident, while Ralph claims it was murder.
Several factors shape Piggy’s perspective on Simon’s death. First and foremost, he points to his own broken glasses as a reason why he could not see clearly during the chaotic events that led up to Simon’s death. Piggy’s glasses symbolize his rational and intellectual nature. Their breakage represents a loss of reason and logic on the island. Piggy’s impaired vision makes it difficult for him to discern what is happening, and he relies on others to provide information.
In addition to his broken glasses, Piggy characterizes Simon as “batty,” suggesting he was mentally unstable or possessed by a supernatural force. This characterization is significant because it highlights the boys’ tendency to assign labels and make judgments about each other based on limited information. Rather than attempting to understand Simon’s behavior or empathize with him, Piggy dismisses him as “batty,” a label that distances himself and Ralph from Simon’s death.
Furthermore, Piggy suggests that he and Ralph should forget about Simon’s death and move on. This attitude reflects Piggy’s desire to maintain order and stability on the island, even in the face of tragedy. He believes that dwelling on Simon’s death will only lead to more chaos and violence, and it is better to focus on surviving and finding a way off the island.
Was Piggy part of Simon’s death?
Yes, Piggy was indirectly part of Simon’s death in Lord of the Flies. In the chaos that ensued during the killing of Simon, Ralph and Piggy were also involved. Although Piggy does not directly participate in killing Simon, he is part of the group mentality that led to Simon’s death. The boys have lost all control and, thinking he is the Beast, kill Simon. This event highlights the dangerous consequences of mob mentality and how easily it can override an individual’s sense of reason and compassion.
Why does Piggy call the incident with Simon an accident?
Piggy calls the incident with Simon an accident because he wants to distance himself and the other boys from any responsibility for Simon’s death. Piggy, like many of the boys, struggles to come to terms with the fact that they are capable of such violence and savagery. By calling it an accident, Piggy attempts to downplay the severity of what happened and avoid acknowledging the darker aspects of human nature that have emerged on the island. Additionally, he may fear that admitting the true nature of what happened could result in punishment or further conflict among the boys.
How do the boys reactions to Simon’s death differ?
The boys’ reactions to Simon’s death differ in Lord of the Flies. Ralph is badly shaken by it, which shows that he is capable of feeling remorse and guilt. On the other hand, Piggy is in denial and tries to play down Simon’s death by insisting that they had done nothing wrong. Piggy’s response highlights his lack of empathy towards Simon and acts as a defense mechanism to protect himself from guilt. This difference in reactions shows how different characters cope with traumatic events and how they deal with morality and ethics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Piggy’s perspective on Simon’s death is shaped by his own limitations and fears. His broken glasses, his labeling of Simon as “batty,” and his desire to forget about the event all reflect his own struggle to maintain a sense of control and order in a chaotic and unpredictable environment. While his perspective may not be entirely accurate, it offers valuable insight into the complex psychology of the characters in “Lord of the Flies,” and how they cope with tragedy and violence.