chapter 11 quotes

• "We ought to take spears," said Sam. "Even Piggy."

  As Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric prepare to confront Jack, Sam suggests that even Piggy should carry a weapon.

  This moment highlights the shift from civilization to survival mode. Even Piggy, who has always relied on intellect over violence, is now expected to arm himself.
• "I’m going to him with this conch in my hands. I’m going to hold it out. Look, I’m going to say, I’m going to say, ‘What’s right’s right

  Piggy insists on taking the conch to Castle Rock, believing it still has symbolic power

  Piggy still clings to the idea of rules and order, but his belief is naïve. The conch, once a powerful symbol of authority, no longer holds any influence over Jack and his tribe.
• "You’re a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief!"

  When they arrive at Castle Rock, Ralph confronts Jack, accusing him of stealing Piggy’s glasses.

  Ralph’s anger shows his frustration at Jack’s increasing savagery. His use of “beast” is important—it reflects that Jack, rather than an imaginary creature, is the true embodiment of savagery.
• Which is better—to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?"

  Piggy tries to reason with Jack and his tribe, appealing to logic and civilization.

  This is the last attempt to restore order. The fact that no one listens to Piggy shows that the boys have fully embraced violence and chaos over reason.
• Roger, with a sense of delirious abandonment, leaned all his weight on the lever."

  Roger, now completely free of societal restraints, pushes the boulder down toward Piggy.

  Roger’s actions reveal his complete descent into cruelty. He is no longer just following Jack—he takes pleasure in violence and destruction.
• The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist

  The boulder crushes Piggy, killing him instantly, and shatters the conch.

  Piggy’s death symbolizes the loss of intellect and order, while the destruction of the conch signifies the final collapse of civilization. Now, there is nothing left to oppose Jack’s rule.
• his head opened and stuff came out and turned red

  refering to piggys death

  The phrase "red stuff" is significant because it reflects the boys' loss of innocence. The vague, childlike description emphasizes how detached they’ve become from the true horror of violence.
• See? See? That’s what you’ll get! I meant that! There isn’t a tribe for you anymore! The conch is gone."

  Jack celebrates Piggy’s death and asserts his dominance over Ralph.

  Jack uses Piggy’s murder to reinforce his authority. By declaring that the conch is gone, he shows that power now belongs only to the strongest, not to those who rely on reason or rules.
• "Samneric were somewhere in that line, and hating it. Or were they? They received Jack’s half-friendly, half-menacing smile."

  Sam and Eric, though reluctant, are forced to join Jack’s tribe.

  This shows how Jack’s leadership is based on fear. Sam and Eric despise what Jack has become, but they also know they have no choice but to obey him.
• Ralph turned and ran. A great noise as of seagulls rose behind him."

  With Piggy dead and Sam and Eric captured, Ralph realizes he is completely alone and flees.

  Ralph’s escape marks the final moment of civilization’s downfall. The "great noise" suggests chaos, as the boys have fully surrendered to savagery.
• "There was no Piggy to talk sense. There was no solemn assembly for debate nor dignity of the conch."

  Ralph reflects on the loss of Piggy and what he represented.

  This line reinforces that Piggy was the last symbol of reason and order. Without him, there is no more civilization—only survival and violence.