Piggy

• is introduced as "shorter" and "very fat" --> immediately highlights his vulnerabilities- his description clearly portrays him as an easy target to be ridiculed and bullied (particularly Jack who values strength)

  also marks him as being a social outcast to the boys, and later on this isolation intensifies as the boys become more primitive- emphasising the novel's exploration of the fragility of social norms
• acts as a symbol of rationality and intelligence, and is a key figure in maintaining civilisation amongst Ralph's faction

  Despite his marginalization and the bullying he endures, he uses his intelligence to bring authority to the conch
• Piggy's mistreatment may contribute to wider themes of injustice and prejudice explored in human nature through the novel- societal cruelty and he's essentially a laughing stock
• -portrayed as the most intelligent and most rational

  -he advocated for maintaining order, following the conch as a symbol of authority, and adhering to the rules of a civilised society --> emphasises the need for names and organisation

  "I expect we'll want to know all their names... and make a list"
• -focuses on rescue and maintains hope for contact with the outside world. He frequently reminds the boys of the significance of keeping the rescue fire going

  -Piggy's values and principles clash with the emerging forces of savagery and violence. His struggle to maintain civilized behaviour in the face of increasing chaos highlights the tension between civilisation and primal instincts
• "He looked critically at Ralph's golden body and then down at his own clothes" --> many be symbolic of Ralph's privilege; contrasts him against Piggy which emphasises his awareness of his physical limitations

  Also foreshadows his physical disparity will contribute to the marginalization Piggy will endure

  May also be symbolic of the difference between the remnants of their previous lives. Ralph's father is "a commander in the navy"
• "He looked critically at Ralph's golden body and then down at his own clothes" --> Piggy's critical acknowledgement of himself highlights an awareness of societal standards.

  This comparison underscores the struggles Piggy will face compared to Ralph: his intellectual contributions are overlooked and dismissed solely due to this societal bias associated with physical appearance
• "Piggy bore this with a sort of humble patience" --> avoiding conflict, mature response aligns with his intelligence, suggests Piggy has faced injustice before

  Piggy's immediate mistreatment contributes to the broader themes of injustice and prejudice explored in human nature

  Piggy's inability to stand up for himself may contribute to his sense of isolation as he withdraws rather than attempting to assert himself.

  May also reflect the imbalance of power
• "I don't care what you call me so long as it's not what they used to call me in school... They used to call me Piggy!" --> "used to" = possible foreshadowing, doesn't know if they will return, also indicates Piggy has a lower chance of survival
• "Piggy" --> further reinstates/ acts as a symbol of the marginilisation and bullying Piggy endures

  The nickname is a source of humiliation

  Despite their friendship, Ralph never asks for Piggy's real name
• represents reason, and rational thinking, is behind many of the group's innovations and ideas (e.g he suggested to use the conch in meetings, it was his idea to create shelters)