In William Golding’s classic novel “Lord of the Flies,” Piggy meets a tragic end at the hands of one of the other characters. Piggy, known for his intelligence and practicality, serves as a foil to the other boys on the island who are gradually descending into savagery. Despite his efforts to keep the group organized and civilized, Piggy ultimately falls victim to the violence and chaos that has taken hold of the group. But who killed Piggy in Lord of the Flies?
In this article, we will examine the events leading up to Piggy’s death in Chapter 11 and the identity of the person responsible for this brutal act. The question of “Who killed Piggy in Lord of the Flies?” is a crucial one that sheds light on the novel’s overarching themes of power, violence, and human nature.
Who killed Piggy in Lord of the Flies? (Answered)
In William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” Piggy’s death is a pivotal moment that highlights the characters’ descent into savagery. Piggy, known for his intelligence and practicality, serves as a foil to the other boys on the island who are gradually becoming more savage. Despite his efforts to keep the group organized and civilized, Piggy ultimately falls victim to the violence and chaos that has taken hold of the group. So, who killed Piggy in Lord of the Flies?
The boy responsible for Piggy’s death is Roger. In the scene leading up to Piggy’s death, Piggy attempts to make a speech while holding the conch, which symbolizes order and civilization on the island. However, as Piggy tries to address the boys and admonish them for their increasingly savage behavior, Roger releases a massive boulder in Piggy’s direction, knocking him off the cliff to his death on the rocks below.
The death of Piggy represents the loss of reason and logic on the island. It highlights the dangers of mob mentality and the influence of power dynamics in group situations. Through Piggy’s death, Golding demonstrates the fragility of civilization and the potential for violence and chaos to emerge when rules and order are not maintained.
Why did Roger Kill Piggy?
Roger kills Piggy in Lord of the Flies because he represents the submissive nature of society and follows orders without thinking critically about his actions. He is also cruel, which is evident in his behavior towards the littluns throughout the novel. Piggy’s unassertive personality makes him an easy target for Roger’s aggression, leading to his untimely death. Additionally, Piggy’s glasses represent knowledge and understanding, which are antithetical to Jack’s desire for power and control over the group. Thus, by destroying Piggy’s glasses and ultimately killing him, Roger aligns himself with Jack’s brutal regime and contributes to the descent into savagery on the island.
Was Piggy’s death an accident?
Piggy’s death was not an accident. It was the most intentional and inevitable act of violence on the island, and it marked the point when the group’s last connection to civilization and humanity was severed. Unlike Simon’s death, which could be seen as either an accident or a result of mob mentality, Piggy’s murder was a deliberate act carried out by Roger, who used a boulder to crush Piggy’s skull. This violent act showed how far the boys had descended into savagery and how little they cared for human life.
What does Jack say about Piggy’s death?
After Piggy’s death, Jack does not show any remorse or regret. In fact, he seems to justify it by saying that Piggy had no right to speak and that he got what he deserved for interfering with their tribe. His justification shows how Jack has become entirely consumed by his desire for power and control, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives.
What happens to the conch?
Throughout the book Lord of the Flies, the conch is used as a symbol of order and civilization. However, it eventually gets destroyed as the boys’ society descends into chaos and savagery. The conch is shattered when Piggy, who represents logic and reason, is killed by Roger’s boulder during a fight between Ralph and Jack’s factions. This event symbolizes the complete loss of order and civilization on the island.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Who killed Piggy in Lord of the Flies?” is Roger. Piggy’s death is a tragic turning point in the novel, highlighting the dangers of group dynamics and the potential for violence to emerge in the absence of civilization. It is a warning against the dangers of mob mentality and the influence of power dynamics in group situations. Through this event, Golding offers a sobering commentary on human nature and the fragility of society.