What is Piggy’s real name in Lord of the Flies? William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a classic novel exploring human nature’s dark side. Among the characters that populate the island, Piggy stands out for his intelligence and glasses, which are crucial for survival. However, despite his contributions to the group, Piggy is often marginalized and mistreated by the other boys, who see him as an easy target for ridicule and aggression. One question that many readers ask is, what is Piggy’s real name? Surprisingly, the answer is not explicitly given in the novel. Instead, Piggy remains an enigmatic and tragic figure whose fate reflects the harsh realities of a world where reason and compassion are often overpowered by violence and brutality. This article aims to shed some light on Piggy’s identity and examine his role in the story.
What is Piggy’s real name in Lord of the Flies? (Answer)
Piggy, one of the main characters in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, is never referred to by his real name. Throughout the book, he is consistently called “Piggy” by the other boys on the island, which becomes a source of ridicule and mockery for him.
However, in chapter eight of the book, there is a scene where Piggy’s real name is almost revealed. His tongue is swollen, and he’s hallucinating that he’s conversing with the impaled pig’s head, the “Lord of the Flies.” The Lord of the Flies says frightening things to Simon about the fact that he is alone and that there’s no one to help him. “Only me,” the pig’s head says. “And I’m the Beast.”
As the conversation continues, Piggy becomes agitated and tries to interject, saying, “What’s your name?” The Lord of the Flies responds, “I’m part of you. Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are what they are?”
Later, we discover that Piggy’s real name is Peterkin. He dislikes Piggy has a nickname but, just like back home in England, the boys always call him Piggy instead of Peterkin.
In a way, Piggy’s use of a nickname represents his lack of power and agency on the island. The other boys constantly mock and belittle him, and his attempts to establish order and reason are often ignored or dismissed. The fact that he never learns the name of the pig’s head, which represents the evil and chaos on the island, further reinforces his powerlessness.
Is Piggy’s real name Peterkin?
Yes, Piggy’s real name is Peterkin, but all the boys called him Piggy.
What were Piggy’s last words?
Piggy’s last words in Lord of the Flies are, “Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?” These words reflect his unwavering belief in civilization and order throughout the novel. Despite the chaos and savagery that had consumed the boys on the island, Piggy remained committed to the idea of rules and societal norms. His question highlights the central conflict in the story between Ralph’s desire for rescue and Jack’s obsession with hunting and power. It serves as a poignant reminder of Piggy’s rationality and his desperate plea for reason amidst the escalating violence.
What is Piggy’s personality in Lord of the Flies?
Piggy’s personality in Lord of the Flies can be described as intelligent, rational, and often overlooked. He is the voice of reason and logic among the boys on the island, often offering practical suggestions to maintain order and ensure their survival. Piggy possesses a deep understanding of science and technology, which he tries to use to establish a sense of civilization. However, his physical appearance and lack of social skills make him an outsider in the group, leading to his ideas being ignored or dismissed by others.
Despite his introverted nature, Piggy demonstrates bravery by standing up against Jack’s authoritarian rule and advocating for justice. He represents the intellectual side of humanity amidst chaos and savagery. Although initially mocked for his physical weaknesses and dependence on his glasses, Piggy’s intellect becomes essential for fire-making and problem-solving throughout the novel. Ultimately, Piggy’s personality embodies resilience, intellectuality, and moral conscience in an increasingly chaotic world.
What does Piggy symbolize in Lord of the Flies?
Piggy symbolizes intellect and rationalism in Lord of the Flies. Throughout the novel, Piggy consistently demonstrates his intelligence and logical thinking. He is the voice of reason among the group of boys, often offering practical solutions and trying to maintain order. Piggy’s glasses, which he uses to see clearly, symbolize knowledge and insight. However, his intellectual prowess is often overlooked and dismissed by the other boys due to his physical appearance and lack of assertiveness. Thus, Piggy serves as a representation of the importance of rationality in a chaotic society and highlights the consequences of disregarding it.
Overall, Piggy’s character illustrates how intellectual abilities are undervalued when brute force or instinct takes precedence. His presence in the story emphasizes that intellect is an essential aspect of maintaining order and stability within a group or society.
How old is Piggy in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, Piggy is a boy of around 12 years old. Piggy is described as being overweight, wearing glasses, and being talkative due to his abundance of ideas. Despite his physical appearance and intellectual capability, Piggy often faces ridicule and bullying from the other boys on the island. His age places him among the older boys stranded on the island but still within the range of pre-adolescence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Piggy’s real name is never revealed in Lord of the Flies. The scene where he tries to learn the name of the pig’s head is a pivotal moment in the book, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil on the island and Piggy’s lack of power and agency in the group.