In William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” Piggy serves as the voice of reason and intellect among the boys stranded on a deserted island. But what is Piggy’s main concern?
Piggy’s main concern throughout the novel is preserving the rules and values of English civilization, which he believes are essential for their survival and rescue. Unlike the other boys, who succumb to their primal instincts and embrace savagery, Piggy clings to his beliefs in rules, timeliness, and order, which he sees as their only hope for rescue. However, as the island descends into brutality and violence, Piggy’s convictions are increasingly threatened, and his position within the group is jeopardized. This article explores Piggy’s main concern in “Lord of the Flies” and how his character embodies the clash between civilization and savagery.
What is Piggy’s main concern? (Complete Answer)
In William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” Piggy’s character symbolizes civilization and order in the midst of chaos and savagery. Throughout the book, Piggy’s main concern is to keep the rules and values of English society in place, which he thinks are important for their survival and rescue.
Piggy is the only boy on the island who worries about what the grownups will think when they find the savage boys. He believes their only hope of being rescued is by maintaining a sense of order and following the rules they were taught in their previous life. Piggy’s belief in rules, timeliness, and order is in stark contrast to the other boys’ embrace of savagery, as they abandon the rules and values of their former life.
Piggy’s concern for preserving the rules and values of civilization is evident in his interactions with the other boys. He repeatedly reminds them of the importance of following the rules and maintaining order. For example, when the boys first meet, Piggy quickly points out the need for a leader and a sense of organization. He suggests using a conch shell to call meetings and establish order. Later, when the boys begin to argue and fight, Piggy attempts to restore calm and order by reminding them of the rules and the need for respect and discipline.
As the island descends into brutal chaos, Piggy’s position comes under threat of intense violence. The other boys see him as a threat to their newfound freedom and lack of rules. They mock him for his appearance and attachment to civilization’s rules. Jack, the most violent of the boys, sees Piggy as an obstacle to his desire for power and control. Ultimately, Piggy becomes a target of violence as Jack and his followers steal Piggy’s glasses, which they use to start fires, and later kill him.
What is Piggy’s idea?
Piggy’s idea is to build a new signal fire down by the beach since he realizes that everyone is too afraid to go up on the mountain. The idea is well-received, and the boys start building the new fire.
What is Piggy’s fear?
Piggy’s fear is that the boys are going to descend into savagery. He frequently expresses his concern about their lack of organization and their growing tendency to act on their primal instincts. He worries that they will become more violent and destructive without rules and structure, leading to their ultimate downfall. His fear is a central theme of the novel, as the boys gradually lose their grip on civilization and become increasingly savage and brutal.
What concerns does Piggy have about Jack?
Piggy has concerns that Jack hates both him and Ralph. He fears that since Jack can’t harm Ralph, he may turn his aggression toward Piggy. Therefore Piggy looks to Ralph for protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Piggy’s main concern in “Lord of the Flies” is preserving the rules and values of English civilization, which he believes are essential for their survival and rescue. Piggy serves as a symbol of order and rationality amid chaos and savagery. His belief in the importance of rules, timeliness, and order is in stark contrast to the other boys’ embrace of savagery and abandonment of the rules and values of their former lives. Piggy’s position is threatened by the violent and savage behavior of the other boys, which ultimately leads to his tragic demise.