In chapter 12 of lord of the flies, explain the significance of the last line.
What is the last line in chapter 12?
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http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/flies/
To understand the significance of the last line in chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies, let's first take a look at the chapter as a whole. Chapter 12, titled "Cry of the Hunters," is the final chapter in the novel and marks the climax of the story.
In this chapter, a group of boys, led by Ralph, is being hunted by a savage tribe led by Jack. The boys have descended into complete savagery and are on the brink of violence. Ralph is the last remaining symbol of order and civilization on the island, while Jack represents the primal instinct of power and domination.
As the tribe closes in on Ralph, he is forced to flee for his life. He hides in the forest and eventually finds himself on the beach, reaching the edge of the jungle. Exhausted and desperate, Ralph collapses on the sand, unsure of what will happen next.
The last line of the chapter and the novel is: "Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy."
The significance of this line lies in its portrayal of Ralph's emotions and the themes it encapsulates.
1. "Ralph wept for the end of innocence": This part of the sentence reflects the loss of innocence that has occurred on the island. At the beginning of the novel, the boys were innocent and hopeful, but their time on the island has exposed the inherent dark nature of humanity. Ralph mourns the loss of this innocence, the fact that they can never go back to the way things were before.
2. "the darkness of man's heart": This phrase highlights the central theme of the novel, which is the inherent evil and savagery that lies within human beings. Ralph has witnessed firsthand this darkness in the behaviors of the boys, particularly in Jack, who has succumbed to his savage impulses. Ralph realizes that the darkness within human nature cannot be easily overcome.
3. "the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy": Here, Ralph reflects on the tragic death of Piggy, who represented reason, intellect, and civilization. Piggy's death symbolizes the brutal destruction of reason and the triumph of chaos and violence. Ralph's moment of grieving for Piggy emphasizes the loss of a valuable moral compass and friend in the face of cruelty and destruction.
In summary, the last line of chapter 12 in Lord of the Flies symbolizes the loss of innocence, the acknowledgment of the darkness within human nature, and the tragic downfall of reason and friendship. It serves as a poignant conclusion to the novel, leaving readers with a sense of the destructive power of unchecked savagery.