Piggy

Chapter 1, survival of the fittest

Piggy’s immediately described as physically disadvantageous - his weakness/inferiority immediately separates him from the others - demonstrates survival of the fittest as later in the novel, his death symbolises how those without power cannot thrive in an environment based entirely around savagery, with no moral or social constructs to guide them - he’s also made fun of for this (alienated)

“Short”, “very fat”, “looked up through thick spectacles”

Chapter 2, rules and society, social control theory, democracy

Clearly shows how Piggy valued the structured nature of civilisation, over the ruthless society later created by the boys - represents intelligence, civilisation and while he himself lacks the charismatic characteristics to be a true leader, represents the desire for democracy

He caressed the shell respectfully

Chapter 4, Rules & society

Hair is a motif representing clouded judgement - Piggy always maintains his logic and sense; a constant representation of civilisation (doesn’t give in to savagery)

He was the only boy on the island whose hair never seemed to grow

Chapter 5, rules and society, fear, superego

Piggy is a representation of science and rationality - doesn’t deny the existence of some kind of evil (hinting towards how the beast is symbolic of the evil within mankind’s heart) but still recognises how fear can skewer the littluns perceptions, recognising why it’s still important to overcome

Life is scientific […] I know there isn't no beast […] but I know there isn't no fear, either […] unless we get frightened of people

Chapter 5, the heart of darkness, atavism/regression

Shows the sliding scale of their descent (from civilised humans to fully regressed savages) - trying to make the others feel ashamed for their violent behaviour - shows Piggy as a voice of reason - discovers the truth about the true nature of man (beast = human capacity for evil)

What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?

Chapter 5 (& Ralph/Simon), Rules & Society, Social Conditioning - articles of peace

The 3 boys most associated with the more civilised side of society or simply cosplayed adults in positions of authority - shows how influential societal norms and imposed ethical restrictions influence the actions of others

[Piggy, Ralph, and Simon] strived unsuccessfully to convey the majesties of adult life

Chapter 10, Fear/ Survival of the Fittest, herd mentality/Nuremberg defence

Piggy’s denial presents how ashamed he is of his actions - can’t even admit to himself that he was involved in such a cruel and inhumane act - loss of innocence - FEAR of losing his humanity (so acts as if he’s blameless)

We was on the outside. We never done nothing, we never seen nothing

Chapter 11, Survival of the Fittest/Nature vs Nurture, Darwinism/Social Control Theory

Piggy is openly rejecting the idea of survival of the fittest (opposing the natural way of selecting and deciding value based on power) - still uses morals to justify beliefs - naively believes regressed hunters haven’t been completely corrupted and will act based on these same social restrictions

Not because you’re strong, but because what’s right’s right

Chapter 11, Good vs Evil/loss of innocence, civilisation/dystopian/natural selection

Both Piggy and the conch being destroyed signifies the end of civilised society, democracy, and moral and rational behaviour - Savagery overpowers civilisation (evil > good)

The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist

Chapter 12, Rules & Society,

Even after his death Piggy still stands as a symbol of rationality and a significant source of guidance (despite him never gaining the others’ respect while he was alive - never a true leader)

What was the sensible thing to do? There was no Piggy to talk sense

What does Piggy represent

Rationality, intellect, science

Themes to link

Survival of the fittest, rules and society

Context to link

Social darwinism, democracy, classism

Motifs

Falling (loss of innocence)

Symbols

Glasses (technology)

Piggy is introduced as physically weaker than the others (fat, short, has asthma) already at a disadvantage, He tells Ralph about hos old nickname (Piggy), but he makes fun of him (Piggy’s real name is never revealed. He finds the conch and uses it to call the others (intelligent)

Chapter 1

Piggy’s glasses are used to start the fire - reinforces his role in civilisation and technology

Chapter 2

Piggy argues rationally against the existence of the beast, attempting to combat fear with scientific logic rather than superstition. He affirms his loyalty to Ralph, reinforcing the need for order

Chapter 5

Following Simon's death, Piggy tries to rationalise their participation in the killing, attempting to maintain his sense of civilisation even as the group descends into chaos.

Chapter 10

Piggy is murdered by Roger - symbolises the loss of innocence and civilisation, and the total triumph of savagery over intellect

Chapter 11