a little help please, lord of the flies

[smartgirl]

I am a sophomore and we just finished reading the Lord of the Flies. Among other things, I have to write a paragraph explaining how my symbol, or piggy's specs, ties into the themes of the book. This is the one thing out of the rest that i don't get.

I know that Piggy's glasses represent hope, intelligence, and also represent a tie to civilization, but how this ties into the themes, i am confused.

please help if you can.

eternally grateful,
Smartgirl

[Il Penseroso]

Perhaps write about your confusion?

[Wilde woman]

I know that Piggy's glasses represent hope, intelligence, and also represent a tie to civilization, but how this ties into the themes, i am confused.


Hi Smartgirl,
You say that Piggy's glasses represent intelligence and a tie to civilization, but don't know how this ties into the larger themes of the book? For starters think about what main theme of the book is...."civilized" boys losing their civility and taking on the savagery of the forest around them, right? So think about what Golding is saying about civility and savagery. Basically, I think this whole idea of civilization/law and order vs. savagery and violence IS a theme, and all you have to do is talk about what Piggy's glasses represent within all of that.

One way you could discuss is to talk about how glasses are a technological advancement...they help people see better. Right? Doesn't Piggy seem like he has better judgment (metaphorical sight) than the other boys? Also, seeing something for what it is helps you dispel any superstition or fear you might have of it otherwise. For example, if the boys had seen the "Beastie" as what it was...a dead man with a parachute hanging in a tree, rather than as a shadowy monster, maybe the outcome would've been different. You can talk about how Piggy's glasses relate to Jack's masks...how one helps people see better and how the other (ironically) seems to blind the boys. And, the biggie...what does it mean that Piggy's glasses are eventually broken?

For more along those lines, check out this website. They have a specific section on Piggy's glasses as a symbol (just scroll down until you see "the glasses"): http://www.shmoop.com/literary-device/literature/william-golding/lord-of-the-flies/symbols-imagery-allegory.html

Also, check out their "themes" and "quotes" sections, especially "knowledge and wisdom".

[Harmony]

Another thing to check out might be how Piggy's glasses are gradually broken - at what points in time do they break? After what specific events? How does this tie into how his glasses represent hope?

[Scheherazade]

You might find the group discussions on Lord of the Flies helpful:

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3853

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4002

[smartgirl]

thank you everyone, this has helped a lot. especially wilde woman. thanks to all