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Why Did They Kill Piggy in Lord of the Flies

Why Did They Kill Piggy in Lord of the Flies
Table of Contents — 3 sections
  1. Who Killed Piggy in Lord of the Flies
  2. Why Piggy Is Killed in Lord of the Flies
  3. Why Did They Kill Piggy in Lord of the Flies

Who Killed Piggy in Lord of the Flies

Piggy is killed in Lord of the Flies when Roger deliberately pushes a large boulder off a cliff. The rock strikes Piggy and sends him falling to his death. This act is carried out by Roger, who represents the boys' descent into violence.

Why Piggy Is Killed in Lord of the Flies

Piggy is targeted because he symbolizes logic, rules, and adult authority. As the boys abandon order, Piggy becomes an easy target. Roger kills him to eliminate the last voice of reason and to show that the group now accepts murder as a way to settle conflict.

Why Did They Kill Piggy in Lord of the Flies

The killing happens during a confrontation on Castle Rock. Ralph and Piggy try to confront Jack's tribe to recover the conch and maintain order. Roger releases the boulder, killing Piggy and shattering the conch. The event marks the final collapse of civilization among the boys.

For more background on the novel and its themes, see the overview at Lord of the Flies overview.

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Editorial Team
Author at Werkstatt Front
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