Comment on the role and significance of Piggy in "Lord of the Flies."

Piggy plays a crucial role in "Lord of the Flies" as the voice of reason and intelligence among the group of boys stranded on the island. Despite being physically weak and constantly bullied by the other boys, Piggy's intelligence, rationality, and moral compass make him an invaluable asset to the group.

Piggy serves as a symbol of civilization and order, constantly reminding the boys of the importance of rules and societal norms. He is the one who suggests using the conch shell as a symbol of authority and order, and he is often the one trying to maintain a sense of structure and organization within the group.

Additionally, Piggy's glasses serve as a symbol of knowledge and insight, as they are used to start fires and signal for rescue. Without Piggy's glasses, the boys would struggle to survive on the island and would be unable to attract the attention of passing ships.

Overall, Piggy's role in "Lord of the Flies" is significant as he represents the importance of intellect, reason, and morality in the face of chaos and savagery. His tragic death at the hands of the other boys serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of losing touch with civilization and succumbing to primal instincts.

Role and Significance of Piggy in "Lord of the Flies":

Piggy, an overweight and asthmatic boy, plays a pivotal role in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," embodying both the intellect and the weakness of civilized society.

Intellect and Reason:

- Represents the voice of reason and logic within the group.
- Attempts to establish rules and order, emphasizing the importance of structure and cooperation.
- Carries the conch, a symbol of authority and democracy, and uses it to facilitate meetings.

Physical Weakness and Bullied:

- Despite his intelligence, Piggy is physically weak and often bullied by the other boys.
- His asthma and obesity make him an easy target for ridicule and violence.
- This physical vulnerability highlights the vulnerability of civilization and the power of brute force.

Symbol of Civilization:

- Piggy symbolizes the remnants of civilized society on the island.
- His eyeglasses, a tool for intellectual pursuits, represent the power of knowledge and reason.
- His attempts to maintain order and rationality are a struggle to preserve the values of civilization in the face of savagery.

Clash with Jack:

- The conflict between Piggy and Jack represents the clash between civilization and savagery.
- Jack, the leader of the hunters, embodies the primal instincts and mob mentality that threaten to overtake the boys.
- Piggy's rationality and adherence to rules stand as a challenge to Jack's authority.

Tragic Demise:

- Piggy's tragic demise at the hands of Jack's tribe is a symbolic representation of the triumph of savagery over civilization.
- His death highlights the futility of reason and intellect in the face of unchecked violence and fear.

Artistic Function:

- Piggy's character serves as a foil to Ralph, the protagonist.
- While Ralph represents the remnants of social order, Piggy embodies the intellect and vulnerability of civilization.
- Together, they symbolize the complexities and contradictions of human nature.

In conclusion, Piggy in "Lord of the Flies" is a complex and significant character who represents the struggle between reason and savagery, civilization and barbarism. His physical weakness and tragic demise highlight the vulnerability of civilization and the power of primal instincts.

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