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Essay / Comparison of Piggy and Ralph in 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding
William Golding's novel 'Lord of the Flies' explores themes of civilization, savagery and innate human nature. Throughout the story, two characters, Piggy and Ralph, emerge as contrasting figures with distinct personalities and perspectives. While Piggy represents intellect, reason and civilization, Ralph embodies leadership, charisma and the desire for order. This essay will examine the differences between Piggy and Ralph, highlighting their contrasting qualities and the implications of these differences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay A significant difference between Piggy and Ralph lies in their physical appearance. Piggy is described as being overweight, wearing glasses and having asthma. In contrast, Ralph is described as athletic, with blond hair and a strong physique. Golding uses these physical descriptions to symbolize their contrasting roles in the novel. Piggy's physical weakness corresponds to his role as an intellectual and outcast, while Ralph's physical strength represents his leadership and popularity among the boys. Another way in which Piggy and Ralph differ is in their approach to problem solving. Piggy constantly displays a rational and logical mindset, seeking practical solutions to the challenges they face on the island. For example, when the boys are having trouble starting a fire, Piggy suggests using his glasses to focus the sunlight, demonstrating his ingenuity and problem-solving skills. In contrast, Ralph tends to rely on his charisma and persuasive skills to rally the boys and maintain order. While Piggy focuses on the practicalities, Ralph emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation. Additionally, Piggy and Ralph have distinct perspectives on the importance of rules and civilization. Piggy strongly believes in the need for rules and order to maintain a civilized society. He constantly reminds the boys of the importance of their old lives and the need to live up to certain standards. On the other hand, Ralph initially enjoys the freedom and lack of adult supervision on the island. However, as the story progresses and the boys descend into chaos and savagery, Ralph begins to recognize the importance of rules and the need for a structured society. In addition to their differing views on the rules, Piggy and Ralph demonstrate different levels of emotional intelligence. Piggy is often the target of ridicule and bullying due to his physical appearance and intellectual nature. Despite this, he remains resilient and maintains a level-headed approach. On the other hand, Ralph has difficulty controlling his emotions, especially as the situation on the island deteriorates. He becomes increasingly frustrated and overwhelmed, leading to conflicts with other boys like Jack. This difference in emotional intelligence highlights Piggy's ability to remain calm and rational in the midst of chaos. Although Piggy and Ralph differ in various ways, they also share some similarities. Both characters demonstrate a sense of morality and a desire for order. They both recognize the importance of maintaining a civilized society and work to achieve this goal, albeit in different ways. Additionally, Piggy and Ralph experience moments of vulnerability and fear, demonstrating their humanity and the impact of the island's circumstances on them. In conclusion, Piggy and Ralph are two key characters in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" who possess contrasting qualities and., 1954.