Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies is a pivotal moment in the novel, symbolizing the loss of reason and civility on the island. While he isn’t directly killed in the frenzied dance that claims Simon’s life, Piggy’s demise is tragically linked to the escalating savagery and the boys’ descent into chaos. This article will delve into the events leading up to and including Piggy’s death, examining the characters and circumstances that contribute to this tragic outcome.
The Degeneration of Order and Reason
Before exploring Piggy’s death directly, it’s crucial to understand the context: the gradual breakdown of order and the rise of primal instincts among the stranded boys. Initially, Ralph, elected leader, attempts to establish a civilized society, with Piggy, despite being ostracized and bullied, offering intellectual and practical advice. However, Jack, representing the allure of hunting and immediate gratification, gradually gains influence, leading to a split in the group.
The Night of the Storm and Simon’s Death
A critical turning point is the night of the storm, during which Jack’s tribe holds a wild feast accompanied by a ritualistic dance. Amidst the thunder and lightning, the boys chant “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!”, working themselves into a frenzy. It is during this chaotic scene that Simon, having discovered the truth about the “beast,” emerges from the forest. Mistaken for the beast in the darkness, he is brutally murdered by the boys, including, as we’ll explore, Ralph and Piggy.
Ralph and Piggy’s Complicity in Simon’s Death
While neither Ralph nor Piggy delivers the killing blow to Simon, the text strongly suggests their participation in the murderous frenzy. The following morning, Ralph confronts the horrific reality, acknowledging “That was murder.” Piggy, however, desperately tries to downplay their involvement, blaming the darkness, the storm, and Simon himself. He argues that Simon “asked for it” by crawling out of the dark.
Piggy’s Denial and the Conspiracy of Silence
Piggy’s frantic denial and attempts to rationalize the event reveal his deep-seated fear and guilt. His pleas to Ralph to keep their participation in the dance a secret from Samneric underscore his complicity. Ralph, initially resistant, eventually succumbs to Piggy’s pressure and agrees to the lie, solidifying their shared burden of guilt and further eroding the remnants of their moral compass. This scene highlights the corrupting influence of fear and the boys’ willingness to sacrifice truth and accountability for self-preservation.
The Final Tragedy: Piggy’s Death at Castle Rock
The consequences of this moral decay ultimately lead to Piggy’s tragic end. When Ralph and Piggy confront Jack at Castle Rock to demand the return of Piggy’s glasses, a confrontation ensues. Roger, Jack’s sadistic lieutenant, deliberately releases a massive boulder, which strikes Piggy, sending him plummeting to his death on the rocks below. Piggy’s death, though not directly caused by Ralph or Piggy’s actions in the dance, is a direct result of the savagery they helped unleash.
The Symbolism of Piggy’s Death
Piggy’s death marks the complete triumph of savagery over reason. The conch, a symbol of order and democracy, shatters along with Piggy, signifying the irreversible collapse of civilization on the island. Piggy’s demise serves as a powerful warning about the fragility of human society and the dangers of unchecked primal instincts. His fate underscores the novel’s central theme: the inherent darkness within human nature and the potential for savagery to emerge even in seemingly civilized individuals.
