Why does Ralph cry at the end of the novel? (Answered)

Why does Ralph cry at the end of the novel

Why does Ralph cry at the end of the novel? At the end of the classic novel Lord of the Flies, Ralph, the protagonist, weeps uncontrollably. The reason for his tears is not immediately clear, but the book gives us some clues. In Chapter 12, just before the end, there is a passage that sheds some light on Ralph’s emotional state. The passage reads: “Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of a true, wise friend called Piggy.”

Why does Ralph cry at the end of the novel? (Answer)

As detailed below, Ralph cries at the end of the novel for four reasons.

First reason

The first reason for Ralph’s tears is the end of innocence. Throughout the novel, the boys are portrayed as innocent and naive. Therefore, their descent into savagery and violence is a tragic loss of that innocence. Ralph weeps for the loss of the boys’ childhood, for they will never be able to regain their innocence.

Second reason

The second reason for Ralph’s tears is the darkness of man’s heart. The novel is a commentary on the inherent evil that exists within all of us, and the boys’ behavior on the island serves as a microcosm of this idea. Ralph weeps for the fact that he has witnessed this darkness firsthand and for the knowledge that the darkness also exists within himself.

Third reason

The third reason for Ralph’s tears is the death of his friend Piggy. Piggy was the voice of reason and intelligence on the island, and his murder by Jack and his followers is a tragic loss for Ralph. Ralph weeps for the fact that he will never be able to talk to Piggy again, for the fact that he was not able to protect him, and that he has lost a true and wise friend.

Fourth reason

The fourth reason for Ralph’s tears is the release of the pent-up emotions he has been feeling throughout the novel. He has been under immense stress and pressure, and his tears are a way of letting all of that out.

Why does Ralph cry tears of grief and not joy?

Ralph cries tears of grief and not joy because he has come to the painful realization that his experience on the island has forever changed him. While he is relieved to be rescued and saved from death, he understands that he can never return to the innocence and naivety of his former self. The events on the island have exposed him to the inherent evil that resides within every human being, including himself. This newfound knowledge weighs heavily on Ralph’s conscience, leading him to grieve for the loss of his innocence and the harsh reality of human nature.

What did Ralph do at the end of the novel?

At the end of the novel, Ralph manages to escape from both Jack and his pack of savage boys as well as the fire they set on the mountain. As he runs through the jungle, desperate and alone, he stumbles upon a British naval officer who had come ashore after seeing the smoke from the burning island. Ralph collapses in exhaustion and tears, relieved to be rescued from the chaos that had consumed him and his fellow boys. This encounter with the officer signifies not only Ralph’s physical rescue but also serves as a symbol of civilization returning to save them from their descent into savagery.

How is Ralph saved at the end of the novel?

At the end of the novel, Ralph is saved when he emerges onto the beach and is discovered by a British Naval officer. The officer had come ashore after seeing the island on fire from his ship. This encounter with the officer marks Ralph’s rescue from the chaotic and violent world that had consumed him and his fellow boys. It symbolizes the return of order and civilization, as represented by the naval officer, who brings an end to their savage existence on the island.

Do you think that this is a fitting end to the novel?

Yes, I believe that the ending of Lord of the Flies is fitting for the novel. The story explores the descent into savagery and the loss of civilization’s constraints when a group of boys is stranded on an uninhabited island. The final scene, where Ralph is being hunted by his former friends who have embraced their inner darkness, effectively illustrates the complete breakdown of order and the triumph of primal instincts over reason. It serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of human beings when left to their own devices.

Furthermore, the arrival of the naval officer at the end provides a stark contrast between civilization and savagery. As he stands there, unaware of how close these boys came to complete destruction, it highlights how fragile and valuable societal norms are in maintaining peace and stability. The abrupt end also leaves readers with a sense of unease and reflection about human nature and our capacity for both good and evil. Overall, this conclusion effectively reinforces the novel’s themes and leaves a lasting impact on readers.

Who claims responsibility when asked who is in charge at the end of the novel?

At the end of the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, when asked who is in charge, Ralph claims responsibility. Throughout the story, Ralph has been elected as the leader by the boys and has tried his best to maintain order and establish a civilized society on the island. However, as chaos and savagery take over, most of the boys abandon Ralph’s leadership and join Jack’s tribe. Despite facing immense challenges and witnessing the breakdown of their society, Ralph remains true to his values and continues to fight for rescue and civilization. When confronted about being in charge, he steps up and takes responsibility, symbolizing his commitment to order amidst the chaos.

Ralph’s claim of responsibility at the end highlights his resilience as a leader and his unwillingness to succumb to savagery. It also underscores his understanding of the importance of accountability in maintaining a functioning society, even in dire circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ralph’s tears at the end of “Lord of the Flies” are a complex mix of emotions. They are a response to the loss of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, the death of Piggy, and the stress and pressure that Ralph has been under. They are a poignant reminder of the novel’s themes and a powerful conclusion to a story that is as disturbing as it is thought-provoking.

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