How can you prove that Jack Merridew in Lord of the Flies is not at fault for Simon and Piggy's deaths?

Answer 1

You could point out that the death of Simon was as the result of an attack by all of the boys who simply mistook him for the beast. Jack did not atatck Simon by himself and he certainly didn't order anyone else to do it. You could also point out that Roger pushed against the lever, that caused the boulder to drop from the top of castle rock and knock Piggy from the causeway. Jack was nowhere near Roger and he didn't tell him to do it.

However you could also point out that Jack was indirectly responsible for both deaths. If Jack hadn't been so obsessed with being leader and hunting there would have been no feast on the beach. It was Jack who told the boys to 'do our dance' when the storm began to break. Because of Jack the boys were over excited and already involved in a pig killing dance when Simon stumbled out of the jungle. Similarly if Jack hadn't left the main group to form his own tribe, based at castle rock, none of the boys would have been there. Jack had placed Roger on guard and in control of the boulder. Jack had shown by his own actions that he wasn't concerned about rules or about using violence. His very manner of leadership had given encouragement to Roger's disturbed sadistic inclinations.

Answer 2

While Jack plays a significant role in creating a chaotic and violent environment on the island, he is not solely responsible for Simon and Piggy's deaths. The group dynamics, fear, and loss of civilization's morals contribute to the tragic outcomes. Additionally, the actions and choices of other characters, such as Roger and the group as a whole, also play crucial roles in the deaths of Simon and Piggy.