In William Golding’s classic novel Lord of the Flies, the character Piggy meets a tragic end at the hands of the other boys on the island. The question of why was Piggy killed in Lord of the Flies has puzzled readers for decades. The answer lies in the breakdown of order and the descent into savagery that the boys experience. When all order on the island is lost, the boys become primitive, violent beings who no longer recognize the value of human life. In this article, we will examine the factors that led to Piggy’s untimely demise in Chapter 11. We also explore the deeper themes and messages Golding was trying to convey through his masterpiece.
Why was Piggy killed in Lord of the Flies? (Complete Answer)
In Chapter 11 of the Lord of the Flies, the character Piggy meets a tragic end at the hands of the other boys on the island. Piggy, the intellectual and rational member of the group, is one of the first to realize the gravity of their situation and the importance of maintaining order and civilization on the island. Despite his efforts to keep the boys organized and focused on their goal of rescue, Piggy becomes a target for the savage impulses of the group.
The reason for Piggy’s death can be traced back to the loss of order on the island. At the novel’s beginning, the boys attempt to establish a system of governance and organization, with Ralph elected as the leader and Piggy as his advisor. However, as time passes and the boys become increasingly isolated and desperate, their attempts to maintain order crumble.
The breakdown of order is exemplified by the rise of Jack, the novel’s antagonist, who represents the primal and violent instincts within all humans. Jack’s rejection of the established order in favor of hunting and violence leads to a split in the group and a shift toward savagery. The boys lose their sense of humanity and morality, becoming increasingly brutal and violent toward each other.
As the situation on the island deteriorates, Piggy becomes an increasingly vulnerable target for the boys’ aggression. His glasses, which symbolize rationality and order, are taken from him and used by Jack’s group to start fires for their own purposes. Piggy’s insistence on following the rules and maintaining order makes him a target for the increasingly savage boys, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.
In essence, Piggy’s death reflects the loss of civilization and the descent into savagery that the boys experience on the island. His murder represents the ultimate failure of the boys to maintain order and humanity and a stark reminder of the dangers of giving in to our primal instincts.
What does Piggy’s death symbolize?
Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies symbolizes the end of rationality and wisdom on the island. His death marks the defeat of the forces of kindness and civility as well as the triumph of violence and brutality. Piggy was a symbol of logic, rational thinking, and moral behavior, and his death clearly indicates that those values are no longer part of the boys’ society. It represents the destruction of the fragile structure that Ralph was trying to build and highlights the ultimate futility of their attempts to create a civilized society. In essence, Piggy’s death is a reminder of the disastrous consequences of abandoning reason, morality, and compassion in favor of primitive instincts and violence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the message of Lord of the Flies is a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining order and civilization in the face of chaos and violence. Piggy’s death is a powerful reminder of the consequences of abandoning reason and morality, and the dangers of succumbing to our primal instincts.