We have just begun reading
Lord of the Flies and already we have learned many things about the characters of the novel. Authors use various methods of characterization: direct and indirect to develop their characters. Select either Ralph, Piggy, or Jack and discuss three methods Golding has used to create this character.
What do you find most appealing about Golding characterization of this island survivor? Why?
(The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight Wednesday, October 24, 2013.)
2 comments:
In this book, Piggy is characterized as fat, wearing a greasy wind-breaker, and having glasses. I believe that Golding made Piggy fat to show that he is full of knowledge. I think that the glasses show that, also. Piggy is the smartest person on the island. He thinks before he does anything. I like the fact that Golding uses the glasses to represent Piggy. In order for the boys to light a fire, they needed Piggy's glasses. It seems to me that the glasses also reveal that Piggy is, again, the smartest, but he is also used and neglected by the other boys on the island. They do not acknowledge him until they need to start a fire.
Golding uses several methods of indirect characterization to develop Piggy. Physically, Piggy is fat and greasy, dresses in a windbreaker, and wears glasses. This makes him much different from the other boys. Additionally, in chapter four, his hair is still short, unlike the others. This shows also how Piggy is different because he is still decorous when all of the others have been changed for the worse by the island. Although when he speaks he uses incorrect grammar, he is actually quite intelligent. For instance, he knows ahead of time that the fire will turn for the worse. Also in this situation, he seems to be upset when he says that the children are acting like children. This shows he is at a higher level of maturity. Even though he is intellectual, no boy will listen to him. The boys treat him very poorly because his is physically and mentally different. Piggy gets hit by Jack who is mad at Ralph for yelling at him about the fire. Piggy, in this case, is a scapegoat because Jack knows he will not fight back. By his appearances, Piggy is characterized as different and physically slow. By what he says, he demonstrates that he is smart and mature. By how others treat him, he is characterized as unappreciated and disrespected.
I like how Golding uses metonymy to characterize Piggy. Piggy’s glasses represent Piggy as a whole, and this makes Piggy stand out. By describing what Piggy’s glasses do and what Piggy does with his glasses, Golding shows more about what Piggy is like. For instance, Piggy plays with his glasses when he is in an uncomfortable situation. This shows that Piggy is a nervous character. Another thing I found interesting was that the little boys saw Ralph as more of a leader figure than Piggy. They think this because Ralph is tall and looks like a strong, trusting adult. On the other hand, Piggy may not look like an adult, but he sure is the one that acts the part.
Post a Comment