Piggy

Definition

Piggy is a character in William Golding's novel 'Lord of the Flies,' representing intellect, rationality, and the voice of reason amidst chaos. His physical appearance and glasses symbolize his vulnerability and intelligence, while his struggle for acceptance highlights themes of social hierarchy and the innate human inclination towards savagery in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Piggy's glasses are crucial for starting the fire, symbolizing how knowledge and technology can lead to civilization's progress.
2. He is often bullied and marginalized by the other boys, highlighting social dynamics and the tendency to ostracize those who are different.
3. Despite his intelligence, Piggy struggles to assert himself due to his physical limitations, representing how society often values strength over intellect.
4. His death marks a turning point in the novel, symbolizing the complete descent into savagery and the loss of rational thought among the boys.
5. Piggy’s commitment to logic and order contrasts sharply with the other boys’ descent into chaos, underscoring Golding's commentary on human nature.

Review Questions

• How does Piggy's character contribute to the themes of civilization versus savagery in 'Lord of the Flies'?
  • Piggy embodies the theme of civilization through his reliance on logic, reason, and social order. His insistence on using his glasses to start a fire reflects how knowledge can bring progress. However, as the boys descend into savagery, Piggy's struggle against bullying shows how fragile civilization can be when faced with primal instincts. His character illustrates that without respect for reason and intelligence, society can quickly break down into chaos.
• In what ways does Piggy’s relationship with Ralph highlight issues of leadership and authority in the novel?
  • Piggy often supports Ralph’s leadership, providing valuable insights and suggestions that emphasize rational governance. However, Ralph's inability to fully embrace Piggy's ideas shows how societal values often prioritize charisma over intellect. This dynamic illustrates the struggle between effective leadership based on rational thought and leadership driven by emotional appeal, which ultimately leads to divisions among the boys and contributes to their downfall.
• Evaluate how Piggy’s demise serves as a pivotal moment in 'Lord of the Flies' regarding Golding's view on human nature.
  • Piggy’s death signifies the complete breakdown of order and civility among the boys, marking a critical turning point in Golding's exploration of human nature. It represents not only the loss of reason but also how easily humanity can slip into violence and chaos when authority and rationality are dismissed. This moment reinforces Golding's bleak perspective on human nature, suggesting that savagery lurks beneath the surface of civilization and can emerge when societal structures fail.

Related terms

Ralph:

Ralph is another central character in 'Lord of the Flies' who represents order, leadership, and civilization, often clashing with other boys' more primal instincts.

Jack:

Jack is a character that embodies savagery and the desire for power, ultimately leading to a conflict with Ralph and the breakdown of order on the island.

The Conch Shell: The Conch Shell symbolizes law, authority, and democratic power, representing the boys' initial attempts to establish a structured society.