Climax
The climax of the the book, Water for Elephants, is when several survivors who were red-lighted return to the circus during one of the shows. They create a plan to completely ruin the circus for good. The band starts playing very fast and the red-lighters set all the circus animals loose. This creates a huge stampede and animal riot. During the stampede Jacob spots Marlena by August and Rosie. As he is watching them, Rosie picks up a metal stake and drives it through August's head. Marlena faints, but Rosie catches her and holds her until the riot is over. This is considered the climax because it is the highest and the most intense point in the book. The riot scene ends the circus and also puts an end to many problems and conflicts. The riot ends August's life, which has caused much conflict between August and Marlena, as well as between August and Jacob.
This clip from the movie, Water for Elephants, shows the stampede scene. By watching the movie you can get a better idea of the craziness and confusion going on. People were running, screaming, and falling, trying to get away from the herd of animals running around. Also by watching this clip you can get a better feel of what August's violent side looks like.