What happens in Chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies? Chapter 12 is the dramatic final chapter of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. With civilization gone and chaos taking over, the tension reaches its peak as Ralph becomes a hunted outcast. In this article, we’ll look at the key events and themes that unfold as the story comes to its conclusion.
What happens in Chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies?
In Chapter 12, the final chapter of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, all traces of civilization have disappeared. Piggy has been killed and the conch, a symbol of order, has been shattered. Ralph is now completely alone, hiding from Jack’s tribe, who have become ruthless savages and are hunting him with the intent to kill.
Golding describes Ralph’s fear and desperation as he hides:
“He forgot his wounds, his hunger and thirst, and became fear; hopeless fear on flying feet, rushing through the forest toward the open beach.”
The hunters set the island on fire to flush Ralph out. As he flees from the burning jungle, Ralph stumbles onto the beach and collapses. There, he meets a naval officer who has come ashore after seeing the smoke from the fire.
The sudden appearance of an adult brings everything to a halt:
“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.”
Chapter 12 ends with the boys being rescued, but not before showing how far they have fallen into savagery in such a short time.
Who betrayed Ralph in Chapter 12?
In Chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies, Ralph is betrayed by Samneric, who reveal his hiding place to Jack’s tribe.
Why does Ralph cry in Chapter 12?
Ralph cries in Chapter 12 because he is overwhelmed by being rescued and realizing he narrowly escaped a violent death. The relief and everything he’s been through make him break down in tears.
What happened to Ralph in Lord of the Flies Chapter 12?
In Chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies, Ralph hides in a dense thicket overnight. The next morning, Samneric betray his hiding place to the tribe, who try to flush him out by rolling boulders and setting the thicket on fire.
Why is Piggy’s fall emphasized in Chapter 12?
Piggy’s fall is emphasized in Chapter 12 because it marks the moment when all civilization and rational thought are lost, and the boys fully descend into chaos and savagery.
What happens to Jack at the end of Lord of the Flies?
Piggy’s fall is emphasized in Chapter 12 because it shows how far the boys have fallen. After his death, Jack becomes a violent dictator, orders torture, and even tries to have Ralph killed.
What happens to the island that turns out to be good in Chapter 12?
In Chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies, the fire set by the boys accidentally signals a naval officer, leading to their rescue from the island.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chapter 12 marks the complete loss of civilization on the island—Piggy is dead, the conch is destroyed, and savagery has taken over. Ralph’s rescue comes just as all hope for order and humanity seems lost.