Piggy Lord Of The Flies Essay

Jameson Tancredi Ms. Borrowdale ELA 750 9 February 2024.

The Silencing of Reason Within the desolate terrain of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the fate of Piggy stands as an allegory for the marginalization of intellectualism, drawing intriguing parallels to historical events, notably the treatment and silencing of the intelligentsia under Joseph Stalin’s tyrannical regime. As the narrative unfolds on a desolate island, the struggle for power and dominance among the stranded boys mirrors the societal upheaval and authoritarian tendencies witnessed in Stalinist Russia. Published just a year after Stalin's demise, Golding's novel resonates with the striking echoes of the repressions that marked Stalin's reign, particularly the systematic

From the beginning Piggy's marginalization is palpable, as his intellectual contributions are met with disgust exemplified by the dismissive label “Piggy.” This nickname, uttered with a mix of mockery and judgment, sets the tone for Piggy’s role as an outsider, emphasizing the sharp judgment permeating throughout the group. The conch, initially a potent symbol of order, temporarily grants Piggy authority as he declares, “I got the conch.” However, its gradual loss of influence mirrors the group’s broader descent into chaos, signaling the diminishing sway of reason over primal instincts. The entry of Jack, a harbinger of savagery, further amplifies Piggy’s marginalization. Jack skillfully exploits his influence, turning the boys against Piggy, who, in a moment of desperation, implores “Which is better - to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?” This rhetorical question encapsulates Piggy’s futile attempt to salvage reason within a group increasingly succumbing to the temptation of savagery. Jack’s open rejection of the conch, symbolizing an abandonment of order, becomes a turning point, emblematic of the broader societal shift away from rationality. As Jack’s hostility escalates in the tragic murder of Piggy, the narrative reaches a harrowing climax, underlining Golding’s profound commentary on the precarious consequences of forsaking reason in the face of primal instincts. These instances, supported by direct quotes from the novel, intricately weave together to form an interesting collage of symbolism and character dynamics, emphasizing the broader message about the fragility of reason within societal structures and the perilous nature of devaluing reason in the face of unchecked primal