Underestimated “You can best serve civilization by being against what usually passes for it.” (Wendell Berry). Although often taken advantage of, Piggy used his intelligence to remain loyal to Ralph, and most importantly, to his own morals and values. Whether it was who he was, what he did, or what he symbolized, Piggy worked to remain helpful in helpless situations. The most significant trait Piggy obtained was his diligence to remain civilized and contributive to everyone on the island. “I don’t care what you call me as long as it’s not what they used to call me in school… they used to call me Piggy!” Through his first impression, Piggy proves to the boys that he can not be taken seriously. As an outcast, the boys on the island endure the opportunity to take advantage of the fat, asthmatic boy. With this closed minded attitude, Jack, Ralph, and the rest of the boys miss the opportunity to acknowledge Piggy’s ideas. Although the boys are hopeless and fearful, …show more content…
Piggy’s glasses, often used as a symbol of intelligence, are used to light the fire. When Piggy no longer has his glasses, it symbolizes the ignorance of the boys through the figurative “blindness”. When the boys take Piggy’s glasses, he has no use to them which portrays how useless the intellectual aspect of society to them is. His glasses served a great purpose but again, Piggy was discredited for them. Another symbol that depicts Piggy’s belief in civilization is his discovery of conch. Although he finds the conch, Ralph retrieves it, therefore seizing control of the valuable resource. Piggy’s discovery of the conch proves the importance he places on civilization and control. The conch is a strategic method for communication and becomes the first type of rule for the uncivilized boys on the island. Piggy’s intelligence leads to discoveries, civilization, and rules on the island which seem to always go unnoticed by the