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Essay / Piggy's Change in Lord of The Flies
Table of ContentsThe StrangerTransformation into the Voice of ReasonThe Implications of Piggy's ChangeConclusionBibliographyThe Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a classic novel that explores the dark side of human nature throughout history of a group of boys stranded on a desert island. Throughout the novel, Piggy's character undergoes a significant change, going from a marginalized and ridiculed outsider to a voice of reason and morality. This essay will examine how the character of Piggy develops and evolves in Lord of the Flies, highlighting the factors that contribute to his transformation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Stranger At the beginning of the novel, Piggy is introduced as an overweight, bespectacled, asthmatic boy with superior intelligence. He is immediately labeled a foreigner by the other boys, who make fun of his physical appearance and reject his ideas. This exclusion contributes to Piggy's initial insecurities and lack of confidence. The text explicitly shows how Piggy is treated differently, with the author describing how "the laughter beat him cruelly and he fell back helpless in his seat." (Golding, p. 24) Piggy's position as an outsider is further reinforced by his lack of physical prowess and his dependence on others for survival. While the other boys participate in physical activities and hunting, Piggy is unable to fully participate due to his physical limitations. This leads to his marginalization and further isolation from the group. Transformation into the Voice of Reason Despite the initial rejection and mistreatment, Piggy's character begins to change as the story progresses. His intellectual abilities and logical thinking are gradually valued by the other boys, who begin to recognize his importance for their survival. Piggy's glasses, which symbolize intelligence and knowledge, become a crucial tool in starting fires and ultimately saving them from the island. As the boys descend into savagery and chaos, Piggy becomes the voice of reason and morality. He constantly advocates maintaining order and respecting the rules that they were taught in civilization. Piggy's unwavering commitment to rationality and his refusal to conform to the boys' animal instincts highlight his transformation from an outsider to a moral compass. An example that demonstrates Piggy's change is when he confronts Jack, the leader of the boys who has become increasingly violent and tyrannical. Piggy boldly challenges Jack's authority by declaring, "Which is better: being a bunch of painted Indians like you, or being sensible like Ralph?" (Golding, p. 180) This confrontation marks a pivotal moment in Piggy's character development, as he challenges social norms and openly criticizes the group's descent into savagery. The Implications of Piggy's Change Piggy's transformation in Lord of the Flies has significant implications for the overall themes. and the messages of the novel. His character is a symbol of intellect, reason and civilization amidst the chaos and brutality of the island. Through Piggy, Golding explores the fragility of societal structures and the importance of rationality in maintaining order. Additionally, Piggy's change highlights the destructive nature of prejudice and exclusion. The early mistreatment and marginalization he faces by other boys represents society's tendency to reject those who do not conform to the., 1954.