What is the climax of Lord of the Flies? The climax of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a turning point that changes everything for the boys on the island. It’s the moment when tensions between Ralph and Jack reach their peak, leading to a violent and tragic event. In this article, we’ll look at what happens during the climax and why it’s so important to the story.
What is the climax of Lord of the Flies?
The climax of Lord of the Flies occurs when Jack and his tribe steal Piggy’s glasses and then kill Piggy as he tries to get them back. After Simon’s brutal death at the hands of the boys, the split between Ralph and Jack becomes more severe. The situation reaches its peak when Jack’s group attacks Ralph’s camp to take Piggy’s glasses—the only way to make fire.
When Piggy, accompanied by Ralph, goes to Castle Rock to reason with Jack and his tribe and retrieve the stolen glasses, things quickly turn violent. Roger releases a heavy rock that strikes Piggy, killing him instantly and shattering the conch shell—a symbol of order and civilization.
Golding describes this moment:
“The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.”
This act marks the complete breakdown of order on the island. With Piggy dead and the conch destroyed, any hope for civilized behavior is lost, and savagery takes over completely. This turning point is the emotional and thematic climax of the novel.
Why is Piggy’s death the climax?
Piggy’s death is the climax because when he dies and the conch shatters, all order and civilization among the boys completely breaks down.
What chapter is the climax of Lord of the Flies?
The climax of Lord of the Flies happens in Chapter 11.
What is the rising action of Lord of the Flies?
The rising action of Lord of the Flies begins when Ralph and Piggy find the conch and use it to gather all the boys for a meeting. Ralph is elected chief, and this is where the ongoing conflict between Ralph and Jack starts to build.
What is the falling action of Lord of the Flies?
The falling action of Lord of the Flies is when Ralph is hunted by Jack and his band of savages after Piggy’s death and the group’s complete descent into savagery.
What is the resolution of Lord of the Flies?
The resolution of Lord of the Flies occurs when Ralph, being chased by the hunters, runs onto the beach and finds a Naval Officer who has come to rescue them.
What happens to Jack at the end of Lord of the Flies?
At the end of Lord of the Flies, Jack is ordering the torture of other boys and tries to organize the murder of Ralph.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the climax of Lord of the Flies happens when Jack and his tribe steal Piggy’s glasses and then kill Piggy as he tries to get them back. This moment marks the final loss of order and civilization among the boys on the island.