Piggy's role as a confidant
In every novel, the author selects a certain character to embody the essence of a hero. This character may posses certain admirable qualities such as communication, strength, or the unconquerable will to overcome adversity. William Golding, the author of Lord of the Flies, is no different in choosing Ralph to represent a reliable boy who could save the other children from their undeniable deaths. However compelling the hero may be, he often times encounters turmoil within himself seeking a companion to help him. Piggy, the most rational and intelligent of the boys, is willing to aid Ralph by not only helping him uphold their "community," but also by helping him cope with the agonizing levels of hatred and carnage present on the island. Ralph's relatively tall stature and confident character allow the other boys to naturally elect him as their leader. Piggy, on the other hand, lacks the appearance, charisma and confidence that Ralph subliminally displays. "His knees were plump...he was shorter than the fair boy...and very fat (7). Ralph proudly accepts the role of the leader, oblivious to the pressures that would later follow. Since Piggy has a low self-esteem, he quickly associates himself wit
Piggy, nonetheless, remains by Ralph's side as a loyal companion. Piggy's natural ability to give Ralph encouragement and intelligent solutions to his problems most definitely acquires Piggy his position as Ralph's confidant. Ralph, in the beginning of the novel, resembles a poised hero that is ready to delegate responsibilities and oversee the livelihood of the community. h Ralph in order to secure his position as Ralph's companion. Piggy is comfortable with being seen as a right hand man in order to acquire a friend and provide assistance to the survival of the community. Golding's use of Piggy as a confidant is a message to all, teaching everyone that however strong and confident a person may appear, they are hopeless and weak without the help of a friend, even if that friend is unattractive or insecure with him/herself. Mentally, Piggy is not among the most stable of people, yet, his commitment to do the right thing and support a leader that displays respectable moral characteristics, bestows upon him a role that is truly as important as the hero's. When Ralph tells Piggy to shut up after he alerts him about the dangers of angering Jack, Ralph's unappreciative behavior is revealed (125). Audiences also tend to overlook the importance of the hero's "sidekick" or confidant. Piggy is also able to serve as a counselor to Ralph by listening to his problems and trying to resolve them in the most rational way. Together, Ralph and Piggy continue to pursue an organized solution to the boys' conflict. The quintessential image of a hero that has been burned into the publics' minds often overshadows the weaknesses that he/she may posses. Ralph later realizes that his very existence depends on the care and nurturing that Piggy so graciously offers. Little did Ralph know that the duties of his position would later lead him to console in Piggy.
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