The Fault in our Society
In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding it teaches that ones defects can effect an entire societies in a short period of time. Golding said he wrote Lord of the Flies in order to “ trace the defects in society back to the defects in human nature” (204) and thats exactly what he did. He showed us this in a variety of forms. For one that being a victim can lead to chaos, not being the perfect image can make others treat people terribly and much more. He also showed the relationship or similarities between Lord of the Flies and the real world. There are many characters that display this message great but some more so than others. Three important characters thats display the relationship of flaws to the impact on society are Piggy, Ralph and Jack.
Piggy’s weaknesses are more physical than emotional. Piggy is not athletic, weight and eye sight problems, and is not respected by the other boys. Piggy not being athletic plays a big part in his life. He “‘can’t swim’”(pg.13), can’t see without his glasses, he also has asthma which make him unable to keep up with the boys when they hunt, play around, or when they play with them. Piggy’s eye site problems do play a big part in his life but it is mainly his glasses. In Lord of the Flies Piggy’s glasses symbolize power of fire leading to the boys fighting for them. Jack sends boys from his tribe to steal Piggy’s glasses and gain power. Piggy not being respected by the boys is a huge factor in his life, he is not respected by the others because of his other flaws. An example would be when they first learn his nickname. “‘They used to call me ‘Piggy.’ Ralph shrieked with laughter. He jumped up.”(pg.11) He is also not respected when he is just trying to be helpful. “‘careful! You'll break it-“ “‘Shut up”’(pg.15). Piggy realizes, just like Simon, that the beast is within ourselves, human nature. “‘Unless-…”Unless we are frightened of people”’(pg.84). Piggy’s flaws in himself impact...