Benjamin Chen

10/6/15
Romano/McGee

LOTF Analysis Essay

Passage 5

Often readers can find specific moments within a novel that are more significant
to the overall plot. These moments explore the minds and personalities of different
characters and symbols. In a specific scene in Lord of the Flies by William Golding, a
key figure symbolizing rationality, Piggy, is struck by a large boulder and falls off a steep
cliff to his death causing different reactions from the other boys. Through careful
analyzation of the actions and behavior of these characters, we can infer much about
their true nature.
In this first moment of the scene, a copious amount of symbolism and
characterization can be inferred as readers bear witness to the vicious murder of Piggy
by the boys of Jacks tribe (particularly Roger). Resorting to killing Piggy while he
desperately called for the boys to think logically, Golding shows readers that the other
boys now see rational thought and the voice of reason as a threat to their hunting
experience. The massive size of the boulder and suddenness of the attack described by
Golding both add to the newfound characteristics of Roger, brutality and hatred. The
fact that Roger, a child, is able to release the boulders with the sole purpose of hurting
or killing Piggy demonstrates that the boys are close to descending into a life of
complete savagery. Readers can see that the social constrictions that once held Roger
back from hurling rocks at the kids were undoubtedly gone. Golding also greatly
increases the tenseness in the atmosphere with his vivid description of Piggys death.
All of the boys see that his head opened and stuff came out and turned red. Golding

utilizes this line as a perspective of the boys in that some still dont quite understand
fully what happened to Piggy, representing the innocence and purity of children. The
comparison of Piggys twitching body to that of a pig is symbolism for the way he was
killed; like a brainless, fat animal. Furthermore, the shattering of the conch into a
thousand white fragments symbolizes the destruction of order and democracy, which
brings an end to the culture and enlightenment that the boys once knew. Ultimately, the
death of Piggy is used by Golding to represent the end of civilization, rational thought,
and the consequential acceptance of barbarism.
In the aftermath at the gruesome scene of Piggys death, most of the boys
reactions are of surprise and shock. However, Jacks reaction is one of heartlessness
and no remorse. Seeing that the last of Ralphs followers were gone, Jack uses this
time to deem that he is in fact the true chief of the boys. He even goes as far as to using
Piggy as an example for those who plot to defy him, See? See? Thats what youll get! I
meant that!. Golding clearly expresses that Jack no longer thinks practically, and that
he is willing to crush anyone that opposes him. He does this to show his own power,
and to instill a sense of fear and obedience in his followers. In a last attempt to kill Ralph
while he is unsuspecting, Jack hurls his spear at him viciously, and, with full
intention As Ralph tries to escape, a barrage of spears is thrown at him by Roger and
the other boys. Golding seemingly marks this moment where readers see the
succumbing of Jacks tribe to complete savagery, and the loss of what sensible and
rational thought they had. This moment allows readers to see the true sadistic nature of
Jack and his tribe, as they are willing to murder other people just as they are fine with
brutally hunting and killing the pigs.

Evaluation of the actions of Roger, Jack, and the other boys has revealed much
about each of their character. It has also brought up the connection of this passage to
the key theme of civilization versus savagery. Jacks tribe, a group of savages, is
constantly trying to bring down the group of civilized boys including only Ralph and
Piggy. The destruction of order and peace is shown through the murder of Piggy by
Roger, symbolizing depravity and savagery. Jack and his tribes subsequent attempt to
kill Ralph adds to the barbarism that has prevailed over the boys. Clearly, the passages
exploration into the responses of these boys has divulged much about each of their
natures.