Piggy is very clear with Ralph in the first chapter that
he does not want to be called Piggy. Have you ever thought about the fact that we never
even learn this kid's real name? This is the power of control. Throughout the rest of
the text, we hear this boy called Fatty as well, but we never learn his true identity.
The entire group then, never learns the truth about him
either.
Furthermore, Piggy has great ideas to offer the
group yet lacks the leadership abilities to ensure the group works together and
completes tasks required for survival. Because of this the entire group suffers. They
have to endure the leadership of Ralph, which could be good with the advisement of
Piggy; or, they could join forces later with
Jack.
Throughout the book, Piggy and his needs are viewed
as expendable, yet what Piggy has to offer is what the rest of the group needs. The kids
make fun of his ass-mar, obesity, and glasses. However, his glasses are their only
ability to create fire, a much needed source of heat, food, and most importantly,
rescue. Both Ralph and Jack use Piggy as a dispensible pawn, Jack more so than Ralph.
This demonstrates that a leader can easily manipulate members of a group regardless of
their ability to contribute. For these groups, Piggy's treatment is
unfortunate.
What this demonstrates about groups in general
in reference to power is a startling reality. We tend to choose people for leaders who
look the part and can convince us they have something to offer even if they don't. It
also demonstrates how quickly we conform to an idea just because a leader suggests
it.
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