Would Piggy make a good island leader if he were given the chance? In any group of children, it’s a given that some will be popular and powerful while others will be teased and rejected. In the real world, adults use their authority to control these divisions and maintain a balanced group dynamic. In Lord of the Flies, however, children must fend for themselves and elect their own leader—and Piggy, wise but scorned, is never seriously considered. Though Piggy is intelligent, rational, and innovative, he lacks the charisma and facility with language that both Ralph and Jack possess, traits that the book suggests play crucial roles in establishing their authority. Piggy may have the tactical smarts to be a good leader, but because he cannot
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He sees the conch’s potential as a rallying device and firmly believes in its ability to keep operations running smoothly. He understands the importance of taking a census, which the other boys recognize only after the little boy with the mulberry birthmark goes missing and they can’t determine how many other littluns were killed in the fire. Piggy’s glasses provide the spark for the signal fire, metaphorically demonstrating how intellect can spark great progress. The scholarly, sensible Piggy is a born administrator, one who understands how to categorize and effectively utilize information. He also shows surprising personal strength, both in his ability to tolerate the cruel taunts from the other boys, including his supposed friend Ralph, as well as in his willingness to voice the unpleasant truth about the likelihood of …show more content…
His authority is rooted in personality rather than innovation—he relies on Piggy for that—and he understands the importance of rhetoric in winning followers. For example, he speaks in the language of rescue, playing into the boys’ deepest hopes and fears to bolster his hold over them. Jack wields power effectively as well, and boys are drawn to his glamour and charisma. Jack’s leadership is rooted in intimidation, which appeals to the boys once the island turns savage. The boys’ negative reaction to Piggy’s physical unattractiveness emphasizes the role external personas play in establishing command; the boys’ don’t so much reject Piggy because he is ugly, but because he does not know how to play the role of a
He sees the conch’s potential as a rallying device and firmly believes in its ability to keep operations running smoothly. He understands the importance of taking a census, which the other boys recognize only after the little boy with the mulberry birthmark goes missing and they can’t determine how many other littluns were killed in the fire. Piggy’s glasses provide the spark for the signal fire, metaphorically demonstrating how intellect can spark great progress. The scholarly, sensible Piggy is a born administrator, one who understands how to categorize and effectively utilize information. He also shows surprising personal strength, both in his ability to tolerate the cruel taunts from the other boys, including his supposed friend Ralph, as well as in his willingness to voice the unpleasant truth about the likelihood of …show more content…
His authority is rooted in personality rather than innovation—he relies on Piggy for that—and he understands the importance of rhetoric in winning followers. For example, he speaks in the language of rescue, playing into the boys’ deepest hopes and fears to bolster his hold over them. Jack wields power effectively as well, and boys are drawn to his glamour and charisma. Jack’s leadership is rooted in intimidation, which appeals to the boys once the island turns savage. The boys’ negative reaction to Piggy’s physical unattractiveness emphasizes the role external personas play in establishing command; the boys’ don’t so much reject Piggy because he is ugly, but because he does not know how to play the role of a