Piggy's Change in Lord of The Flies

Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a classic novel that explores the dark side of human nature through the story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island. Throughout the novel, the character of Piggy undergoes a significant change, transforming from a marginalized and ridiculed outsider to a voice of reason and morality. This essay will examine how Piggy's character develops and changes in Lord of the Flies, highlighting the factors that contribute to his transformation.

The Outsider

At the beginning of the novel, Piggy is introduced as an overweight, asthmatic boy with glasses and a superior intellect. He is immediately labeled as an outsider by the other boys, who mock his physical appearance and dismiss 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 shrank away defenseless to 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 engage in physical activities and hunting, Piggy is unable to participate fully due to his physical limitations. This leads to his marginalization and further isolation from the group.

Transformation into a Voice of Reason

Despite the initial rejection and mistreatment, Piggy's character begins to change as the story progresses. His intellectual capabilities and logical thinking gradually become valued by the other boys, who start to recognize his importance in their survival. Piggy's glasses, which symbolize intelligence and knowledge, become a crucial tool for 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 consistently advocates for maintaining order and following the rules they were taught in civilization. Piggy's unwavering commitment to rationality and his refusal to conform to the boys' animalistic instincts highlight his transformation from an outsider to a moral compass.

One instance 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, stating, "Which is better—to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?" (Golding, p. 180) This confrontation marks a pivotal moment in Piggy's character development, as he defies 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 messages of the novel. His character serves as 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.

Furthermore, Piggy's change highlights the destructive nature of prejudice and exclusion. The initial mistreatment and marginalization he faces from the other boys represent society's tendency to reject those who do not conform to the perceived norm. However, as Piggy's intelligence and moral compass become evident, the other boys are forced to recognize his worth, challenging their preconceived notions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Piggy's character in Lord of the Flies undergoes a significant change from an outsider to a voice of reason and morality. Despite the initial ridicule and exclusion, Piggy's intelligence and logical thinking become valued by the other boys, leading to his transformation. His unwavering commitment to rationality and moral principles provides a stark contrast to the boys' descent into savagery. Piggy's change carries important implications for the themes of the novel, highlighting the fragility of societal structures and the destructive nature of prejudice and exclusion. Through Piggy, Golding reminds us of the importance of reason and morality in maintaining order and civilization.

Bibliography

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Faber and Faber, 1954.