Piggy From Lord of the Flies: What Happened to Him?!

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, a chilling exploration of human nature, introduces us to Piggy, a character whose significance extends far beyond his physical appearance. Civilization’s fragile veneer, personified by Piggy’s reliance on reason and intellect, crumbles tragically on the island. The novel itself serves as a stark warning against the dangers of unbridled savagery, particularly relevant in light of philosophical discussions on inherent human goodness that the story challenges. The fate of Piggy, this bespectacled lord of the flies character, a symbol of vulnerability and intellectualism, continues to resonate with readers who grapple with the novel’s profound message about the loss of innocence and the descent into chaos.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Course Hero , from the video titled Lord of the Flies | Characters | William Golding .

Piggy From Lord of the Flies: Unpacking His Fate

The bespectacled lord of the flies character, Piggy, serves as a tragic fulcrum in William Golding’s chilling novel. Understanding what ultimately happened to him requires a careful examination of his role, his characteristics, and the escalating savagery of the other boys stranded on the island. The best article layout to explore this topic should focus on a combination of textual analysis, character exploration, and a narrative reconstruction of his final moments.

Introducing Piggy: More Than Just Glasses

Initial Impression and Physical Description

• Begin by painting a clear picture of Piggy’s initial introduction. Emphasize his physical appearance, paying particular attention to:
  • His round physique.
  • His thick spectacles, which become a symbol of intellect and civilized society.
  • His asthma, which immediately positions him as physically vulnerable.
• Discuss his immediate dependence on Ralph and his eagerness to contribute meaningfully to the group.
• Highlight his actual name ("Piggy" is a nickname) and the significance of his desire for acceptance.

Piggy’s Intellect and Maturity

• Showcase Piggy’s superior intellect and logical thinking. He is often the voice of reason, offering practical solutions that the other boys, particularly Ralph, rely on.
• Provide examples of his intelligence, such as:
  • His understanding of how to use the conch shell to establish order.
  • His ability to count and take stock of their resources.
  • His constant reminders of the importance of rescue.
• Compare and contrast Piggy’s maturity with the growing impulsiveness and savagery of the other boys, particularly Jack.

The Escalation of Violence and Piggy’s Vulnerability

The Descent into Savagery

• Trace the gradual erosion of civility among the boys, driven by fear, primal instincts, and Jack’s increasingly dominant influence.
• Explain how this descent directly impacts Piggy, making him a target due to his:
  • Physical weakness.
  • Reliance on reason.
  • Association with Ralph, who represents order and democracy.

Key Events Leading to Piggy’s Death

• Chronologically detail key events that foreshadow Piggy’s tragic end:
  1. The theft of Piggy’s glasses: This is a crucial turning point, rendering Piggy virtually blind and robbing the group of their ability to light a fire. This reinforces his dependence and vulnerability.
  2. The growing divide between Ralph and Jack: The power struggle intensifies, leaving Piggy caught in the middle.
  3. The formation of Jack’s tribe and their embrace of savagery: This creates a climate of fear and violence, where Piggy’s values are increasingly irrelevant.
  4. The confrontation at Castle Rock: The final showdown where Piggy attempts to reason with Jack’s tribe, armed only with the conch shell and his belief in civility.

Piggy’s Final Moments and the Loss of Innocence

Reconstructing the Scene at Castle Rock

• Describe the scene leading up to Piggy’s death with vivid detail, focusing on the tension and the boys’ frenzied state.
• Emphasize Piggy’s courage in standing up for reason and order, even in the face of overwhelming hostility.
• Quote the passage where Piggy pleads, "Which is better—to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?" to underscore his unwavering belief in civilization.

The Impact of the Boulder

• Explain the mechanics of Piggy’s death: Roger, acting with deliberate cruelty, releases a massive boulder that strikes Piggy.
• Highlight the description of Piggy’s body falling to the rocks, with the conch shell shattering alongside him. This symbolizes the complete destruction of order and reason on the island.

Symbolism and Significance

• Analyze the symbolism of Piggy’s death:
  • The loss of innocence: His death marks the final and irreversible transition from childhood innocence to brutal savagery.
  • The failure of intellect: The crushing of his skull represents the triumph of brute force over reason.
  • The end of order: The shattering of the conch signifies the complete collapse of the boys’ attempt to create a civilized society.

The Aftermath and its Broader Implications

• Examine the immediate reactions of the other boys to Piggy’s death.
• Consider the long-term implications of Piggy’s fate, both within the context of the novel and as a broader commentary on human nature.
• Discuss how Piggy’s death serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power, the fragility of civilization, and the importance of intellectualism and empathy.

So, next time you think about Lord of the Flies, remember Piggy, that bespectacled lord of the flies character. His story sticks with you, doesn’t it? Hope this gave you something to think about!