Piggy’s death in Lord of the Flies is highly symbolic, representing the complete breakdown of civilization and the triumph of savagery over reason. Piggy, who symbolizes intellect and rationality, is killed when Roger rolls a boulder onto him. This act marks the point where the boys on the island fully descend into chaos and barbarism.
Piggy’s glasses, which are used to start fires, symbolize the power of science and intellectual endeavor. When the glasses are broken, it signifies the loss of reason and the decline of order. Piggy’s death, therefore, is not just the death of an individual but the death of logic, order, and the hope for a civilized society.
Furthermore, Piggy’s death is a turning point in the novel. It shows that the boys have completely abandoned the rules and norms of the society they came from. The conch shell, which represents law and order, is also destroyed at the same time as Piggy, symbolizing the end of any semblance of democratic governance.
In summary, Piggy’s death is symbolic of the destruction of reason and the triumph of primal instincts. It highlights the fragility of civilization and the ease with which it can be overthrown by savagery.