RRealism is the quality of representing a person or situation in a way that is true to life. The concept of realism is displayed through Pigman. The author, Paul Zindel, shows this concept through many character traits and circumstances. Zindel shows the struggles that families go through and how a parent acts their child will follow. John, one of the narrators of Pigman, struggled with family issues. For example, John’s father was an alcoholic and constantly wanted John to follow in his footsteps of working as he did. As John grew into a young adult he caught onto some of his dad's habits like drinking alcohol and cursing. “ ‘Let’s face it,’’ John said. “ ‘ Everyone curses’.” John used alcohol, cursing, and misbehaving at school as a way to cope and hide from his struggles. Paul Zindel expressed this perfectly. …show more content…
John was known as a “bathroom bomber” freshman year because he would set off bombs in the bathroom. In today's world, those actions may be seen as “ they want attention” but in reality, it could be a way for oneself to have some normalcy or show that they are having some problems at home.
Paul Zindel also shows how parents can be so protective of their children. Throughout the novel, there were times when Lorraine’s mom made mistakes and proved that all parents are not perfect. But altogether she truly showed that she cared for Lorraine. As we know Lorraine’s mother truly did not trust men. After Lorraine came home from the Pigman home and explained everything about the Pigman and how both she and John betrayed him, the first question her mom asked was “ You’re sure the old man didn’t try anything with you”. This shows that no matter what, your mother is always there for