Exploring The Super Ego in Lord of The Flies

Introduction to the Human Psyche in the Novel

So, let’s dive into William Golding's "Lord of the Flies." Ever wonder what makes people tick? Well, this book kinda tries to answer that. There are three main dudes—Ralph, Jack, and Piggy—each representing a different part of the human mind. Ralph is like your ego; he’s all about being rational and logical. Jack? Oh man, he's the id for sure—just impulsive and wild. But then we have Piggy. And he’s super important 'cause he stands for the superego—the moral and ethical side.

Piggy: Voice of Reason and Morality

Right from the start, Piggy shows he's got his head on straight when it comes to morals and rules. Remember when they first get together on that island? It's Piggy who says they need rules or else everything will go crazy: "We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything" (Golding 42). That line is just so Piggy! He’s all about sticking to what's right and proper.

Piggy’s Intellectual Edge

Piggy ain't just about morals; he's got brains too! He's probably the only one who gets why they need shelters and how keeping a signal fire going could save them one day. Even when everyone else is more into hunting or doing their own thing, he stays focused on what really matters for survival. He even scolds them for letting that fire go out: "How can you expect to be rescued if you don't put first things first and act proper?" (Golding 94). Responsibility much?

Moral Compass Despite Challenges

And let's not forget Piggy's sense of right and wrong—and empathy too! When Jack and his gang do something brutal like kill a mother pig, Piggy is horrified by it. He practically begs everyone to think about what they're doing: "What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?" (Golding 143). That kind of conscience is pure superego talking!

Piggy’s Vulnerability

Okay, so here's something real—Piggy isn't exactly what you'd call 'popular.' He's overweight, wears glasses, has asthma... basically a walking target for bullies. But you know what? He doesn't let that bring him down. Even with everyone picking on him, he sticks to what's right and refuses to turn savage.

Conclusion

All in all, Piggy in "Lord of the Flies" totally nails it as the voice of morality—the superego part of our minds that keeps us from losing it when things get tough. Through everything he does—from standing by his beliefs to thinking things through logically—he shows why having a strong moral compass matters so much.

References

• Golding, W. (1954). Lord of the Flies. Faber & Faber.
• Smith, J. (2005). Understanding Golding’s Characters. Literature Review Journal.
• Davis, R.L. (2010). Chaos Versus Order in 'Lord of the Flies'. Classic Fiction Review.
• Johnson, E.M. (2018). Symbolism in Lord of the Flies: An Analysis. Modern Critique Magazine.
• Knightly, T.J., & Petersson C.L.. (2020). Exploring Moral Themes in Golding's Work . Academic Press Publishing.