The dehumanisation and death of Piggy in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'
I can explain the significance of Piggy's death in the novel.
The dehumanisation and death of Piggy in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'
I can explain the significance of Piggy's death in the novel.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Piggy is dehumanised and ostracised by the group of boys because of his physical appearance.
- Piggy's glasses, weight, asthma and lower-class upbringing all give him vulnerabilities that the other boys exploit.
- The boys treat Piggy like an animal, but he is ironically the most human and civilised character.
- Piggy is pragmatic: he arguably represents rationality, reason and civilisation.
- Piggy's death metaphorically represents the death of civilisation and the abandonment of rationality.
Common misconception
Pupils often fail to recognise Ralph's role in the ostracism of Piggy.
Ralph is the first person to ostracise Piggy, by banning him from accompanying the boys on their expedition. He also calls Piggy by the name he begged Ralph not to use - Piggy. Once Jack senses Piggy's vulnerability within the group, he exploits it.
Keywords
To ostracise - to intentionally not include somebody in a social group or activity
Pragmatic - dealing with things in a sensible and realistic way
Irony - using language to express the opposite of what is expected, for humour
To dehumanise - to deprive someone of human qualities
Vulnerable - able to be hurt physically or emotionally
Equipment
A copy of the Faber & Faber 1997 edition of 'Lord of the Flies' is essential for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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