Exploring Piggys Unrevealed Identity in William Goldings Lord of the Flies

Introduction

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Purpose: This article delves into the significance and mystery of Piggy's unnamed status in William Golding's seminal novel, Lord of the Flies. Unravel the intricate layers of his identity, explore his character development, and understand the implications of his unacknowledged name within the narrative.

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Introduction to Piggy's Unrevealed Identity

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In Lord of the Flies, William Golding does not reveal Piggy's real name. Instead, the character is identified solely by a nickname that reflects his physical appearance and, more broadly, his social standing and treatment by the other boys. This paper explores the implications of his unnamed status and the significance of his nickname "Piggy" within the context of the novel.

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Nickname and Physical Description

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Piggy is introduced through his nickname, a term that suggests a derogatory or mocking association. Significantly, Piggy himself reveals details about his dire situation:

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“I don’t care what they call me,” he said confidentially, “so long as they don’t call me what they used to call me at school.”

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Ralph, however, dismisses this request, maintaining the traditional disapproval and mockery:

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"’I don’t care what they call me’ he said confidentially ‘so long as they don’t call me what they used to call me at school.’ Ralph was faintly interested. ‘What was that? ’ The fat boy glanced over his shoulder then leaned toward Ralph. He whispered. ‘They used to call me Piggy.’ Ralph shrieked with laughter. He jumped up. ‘Piggy! Piggy!’ ‘Ralph—please!’ Piggy clasped his hands in apprehension. ‘I said I didn’t want—’ ‘Piggy! Piggy!’ Ralph danced out into the hot air of the beach and then returned as a fighter-plane with wings swept back and machine-gunned Piggy.”

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Social Status and Prejudgment

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The nickname "Piggy" is reflective of a prejudgment against Piggy based on his physical appearance. This unsolicited sobriquet not only reduces Piggy to a stereotype but also influences how he is perceived and treated by the other boys. Piggy's plumping up and his associated name are metaphors for his being pushed to the fringes of the group, isolating him from the norm. He is, in many ways, an outsider not just in physical appearance but in the social structure of the boys' society.

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The Tragic Loss of Identity

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The presumed loss of Piggy’s real name is not just a name but a fundamental element of his identity. Revealing his true name could have led to understanding his true character and his inherent worth. Instead, he is subjected to a cruel nickname that humiliates him and reduces him to a mere object. This condition stresses the theme of identity and the loss thereof:

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`”You’re talking too much,” said Jack Merridew. “Shut up Fatty.” Laughter arose. “He’s not Fatty” cried Ralph “his real name’s Piggy!”’

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Implications of Unnamed Status

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The unveiling of Piggy's name at the colonel’s call reflects the deepening rift between the boys and their former civilized world. This moment also symbolizes the breakdown of the social order and the boys' descent into savagery:

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`Instead of respecting Piggy and calling him by his real name, Ralph continues to call Piggy by the name he doesn’t want. And at the first meeting, Ralph tells all of the boys that he is called Piggy instead of letting Piggy use his actual name. The act, extremely rude and disrespectful towards Piggy, excites the rest of the group. It gives the group a common interest and increases Ralph's status as a leader.'

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Conclusion

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The name "Piggy" is more than a nickname; it is a characterization that fuels prejudice and drives the boys to ostracize and ultimately destroy Piggy. The undisclosed real name of Piggy, like many of the characters, enhances the reader's understanding of identity, isolation, and the cost of prejudice.

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The lack of a real name for Piggy is a crucial element that enriches the narrative and adds layers to the analysis of the novel. It reminds us of the harsh realities of social hierarchy and the power of names in constructing and reinforcing these hierarchies.