The Lord of The Flies - Chapter 11 Commentary

Chapter eleven commences with Ralph, Piggy and Samneric recovering from battle that took place the previous night. Ralph and his companions fail in their attempt to light a fire because Piggy's had lost his glasses. Thereafter Piggy suggests that they hold a meeting and Ralph blows the conch to assemble the members. The group anonymously decides that their only choice is to trek to Castle Rock and reason with Jack and his followers. As Ralph …

…with completely different rules. The destruction of these two objects signal the end of hope for Ralph's group since Piggy was the thread of civilization that they were hanging on to. The color of the rock into which Piggy fell is black, suggesting vaguely a sacrifice altar. "The sea breathed again in a long sigh" make us respond as if the only thread of hope to return back to civilization is lost along with Piggy.