What happens to Piggy’s body in William Golding’s classic novel, “Lord of the Flies”? In the book, the character Piggy plays a pivotal role in the events unfolding on the deserted island where the boys find themselves stranded after a plane crash. As the story progresses, tensions rise between two groups led by Ralph and Jack, respectively, with Piggy caught in the middle. In a pivotal moment in Chapter 11, Piggy scolds Jack’s group for becoming savages. While he is speaking, Roger pushes a boulder down the hill. The boulder knocks the conch out of Piggy’s hands and knocks Piggy off the cliff. The result is a tragic and gruesome scene that leaves readers wondering about Piggy’s fate. This article will delve into the question, “What happens to Piggy’s body?” and explore the implications of this event on the characters and the novel’s themes.
What happens to Piggy’s body? (Complete Answer)
In the Lord of the Flies, the character Piggy meets a tragic end that leaves readers wondering about the fate of his body. As the story unfolds, tensions rise between two groups led by Ralph and Jack, respectively, with Piggy caught in the middle. In a pivotal moment, Piggy scolds Jack’s group for becoming savages. As he speaks, Roger pushes a boulder down the hill toward him.
The boulder strikes Piggy, knocking the conch out of his hands and sending him tumbling off the cliff. Piggy lands on rocks below, and the ocean then washes his body away. The gruesome scene is a reminder of the savagery that has taken hold of the boys and their descent into violence and chaos.
The fate of Piggy’s body is symbolic in several ways. Firstly, it represents the loss of order and civilization on the island. Piggy, who symbolizes reason and intelligence, is the voice of reason in the group. His death leaves a void that cannot be filled. The boys are left to fend for themselves without any sense of guidance or direction.
Furthermore, Piggy’s body serves as a reminder of the brutality that has taken hold of the boys. The image of his shattered glasses and lifeless body on the rocks contrasts sharply with the innocence and hope the boys embody early in the novel. Piggy’s death marks a turning point in the story, signaling the complete breakdown of societal norms and the triumph of primal instincts.
How does Piggy’s death happen?
Piggy’s death occurs when Roger intentionally drops a huge rock on him from a cliff while Piggy is trying to reason with Jack’s tribe and retrieve his stolen glasses. The impact of the rock causes Piggy to fall over a cliff and onto the rocks below, killing him instantly. The death of Piggy symbolizes the complete loss of reason and morality on the island. It is a turning point in the boys’ descent into savagery.
Was Piggy’s death accidental?
Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies was not accidental. It was a deliberate and intentional act committed by Roger, who pushed a boulder from the top of the mountain, crushing Piggy. Piggy’s murder is portrayed as the most deliberate and inevitable act on the island, and it marks the point at which the group completely forsakes civilization and humanity.
What does Piggy’s death reveal?
Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies reveals the tragic consequences of the boys’ descent into savagery. It symbolizes the loss of reason and morality that occurs when civilization breaks down and violence and brutality take over. Ralph’s fragile troop collapses with Piggy’s death, leaving the boys with no moral leadership or guidance. Additionally, Piggy’s death represents the victory of the forces of violence and brutality over the forces of wisdom, kindness, and civility. Overall, the death of Piggy is a bleak reminder that human nature can become cruel and destructive without the restraints of civilized society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fate of Piggy’s body in “Lord of the Flies” is a tragic reminder of the loss of order and civilization on the island and the triumph of savagery and violence. The image of his shattered glasses and lifeless body is a powerful symbol of the descent into chaos that the boys experience and the consequences of their actions. Piggy’s death is a poignant reminder of the fragility of civilization and the dark side of human nature.