Discover the Wisdom of Piggy: Top Lord of the Flies Quotes to Inspire and Enlighten

If you're a literature enthusiast, there's a high chance that you're familiar with the classic novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The book tells the story of a group of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island and their struggle to survive. One of the most prominent characters in the novel is Piggy, a bespectacled and intelligent boy who becomes a voice of reason amongst the group. Piggy's quotes are not only iconic but also fascinating to dissect. In this article, we'll be exploring some of the best Piggy quotes from Lord of the Flies that will make you laugh, think, and appreciate the character even more.

First and foremost, let's talk about Piggy's famous quote, I don't care what they call me so long as they don't call me what they used to call me at school. This line not only showcases Piggy's insecurity but also his desire to fit in with the other boys. It's a relatable quote that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. Plus, it's hard not to chuckle at the thought of what Piggy was called in school.

Another one of Piggy's notable quotes is, Life is scientific, that's what it is. In a year or two, when the war's over, they'll be traveling to Mars and back. I know there isn't no beast—not with claws and all that, I mean—but I know there isn't no fear, either. This quote shows Piggy's logical and rational thinking, which is juxtaposed with the other boys' irrational fears and superstitions. The way Piggy dismisses the idea of a beast and compares it to the possibility of space travel is both humorous and thought-provoking.

Piggy's quote, Which is better—to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill? is one of the most profound statements in the book. It highlights the central theme of the novel, which is the conflict between civilization and savagery. Piggy's insistence on maintaining order and structure is a stark contrast to the other boys' desire for chaos and violence. The quote is a reminder that society needs rules to function, but it also poses the question of whether or not human nature is inherently violent.

One of the more comical Piggy quotes is, I expect we'll want to know all their names then. This line comes after Ralph suggests that they should introduce themselves to each other. It's a witty response that showcases Piggy's dry sense of humor. He may be the voice of reason, but he knows how to lighten the mood when necessary.

Piggy's quote, We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They'll come when they hear us—, is an example of his practicality and resourcefulness. Even in the direst of situations, Piggy always thinks of a solution that can benefit everyone. It's a testament to his intelligence and his ability to stay level-headed under pressure.

Another memorable Piggy quote is, I bet it's gone tea-time. This line comes after the boys have been on the island for a while, and they start to lose track of time. Piggy's mention of tea-time is a nod to his British heritage and adds a bit of levity to the situation. It's a reminder that even in the face of danger, there's still room for small moments of joy and comfort.

In conclusion, Piggy is a character that is hard not to love. His quotes are both insightful and humorous, and they add a layer of complexity to the novel. Piggy's intelligence, resourcefulness, and humor make him a standout character in Lord of the Flies. Even though the book is over 60 years old, Piggy's quotes are still relevant today and will continue to inspire and entertain readers for years to come.

Piggy's Wise Words

One of the most memorable characters in William Golding's Lord of the Flies is Piggy, the intellectual who serves as Ralph's advisor. Despite his intelligence, Piggy is often ridiculed by the other boys for his physical appearance and his asthma. However, beneath his awkward exterior lies a wealth of wisdom that proves invaluable to the boys' survival on the island. Here are some of Piggy's most insightful quotes:

We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything.

Piggy's insistence on rules and order is one of the key themes of the novel. He recognizes that without structure, the boys will quickly descend into chaos and violence. His reference to the superiority of the English is also telling, as it highlights the boys' cultural conditioning and their belief in the inherent superiority of their civilization.

Life is scientific, that's what it is. In a year or two when the war's over they'll be traveling to Mars and back. I know there isn't no beast—not with claws and all that, I mean—but I know there isn't no fear, either.

Piggy's scientific mind leads him to conclude that there is no real threat from the supposed beast on the island. He recognizes that fear is a powerful force that can warp people's perceptions and lead to irrational behavior. His faith in the power of reason and logic is one of the few things that keeps the boys grounded in reality.

Which is better—to have laws and agree, or to hunt and kill?

This question, posed by Piggy during a meeting of the boys, sums up the central conflict of the novel. The boys must decide whether to work together to create a civilized society or to give in to their primal instincts and engage in violence and savagery. Piggy's belief in the importance of laws and cooperation proves prescient, as the boys' descent into anarchy leads to tragedy.

I know there isn't no one to blame. It ain't the beast—it's us.

Piggy's introspection is one of his most admirable qualities. He recognizes that the true source of the boys' problems is not some external force like the beast, but rather their own flawed nature. His honesty and self-awareness set him apart from the other boys, who are often reluctant to acknowledge their own faults and weaknesses.

The Butt of Jokes

Despite his intelligence and insight, Piggy is often the target of ridicule and bullying from the other boys. Here are some examples of the cruel jokes and insults he endures:

He's not Fatty, he's Piggy.

This early taunt from Jack sets the tone for the way Piggy will be treated throughout the novel. By emphasizing Piggy's weight and reducing him to an animal, Jack dehumanizes him and makes him an object of derision.

Shut up, Fatty.

This dismissive comment from Jack is one of the most common insults directed at Piggy. By telling him to shut up, Jack asserts his dominance and silences Piggy's attempts to contribute to the group.

Piggy, that was Simon.

When Piggy mistakes Simon for the beast, the other boys mock him mercilessly. By attributing his mistake to his supposed stupidity and nearsightedness, they reinforce their own superiority and belittle Piggy's intelligence.

Piggy, you're talking too much. Shut up, you fat slug!

As the boys become more savage and violent, their treatment of Piggy becomes increasingly cruel. This insult from Roger, who later becomes one of the most sadistic members of the group, shows just how low the boys have sunk.

The Tragic End

Despite his best efforts to keep the boys civilized, Piggy ultimately meets a tragic end at the hands of Jack and his followers. Here are some quotes that illustrate the final moments of his life:

His specs—use them as burning glasses!

This chilling command from Jack is the beginning of the end for Piggy. By destroying his glasses, which symbolize his intellectual power and his connection to civilization, Jack and the other boys ensure that Piggy will never be able to influence them again.

The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.

This brutal description of Piggy's death is one of the most shocking passages in the novel. The destruction of the conch, which has served as the boys' symbol of order and democracy, is a symbolic representation of the collapse of their society.

There was no Piggy to talk sense. There was no solemn assembly for debate nor dignity of the conch.

In the aftermath of Piggy's death, the boys are left without a voice of reason or a means of communication. The loss of Piggy's wisdom and insight is a devastating blow to their chances of survival, and marks the final step in their descent into barbarism.

Conclusion

Piggy may be the butt of many jokes in Lord of the Flies, but he is also one of its most important characters. His intelligence, insight, and commitment to rationality serve as a counterbalance to the boys' savage impulses. However, his tragic end underscores the novel's bleak message about the darkness that lies within human nature. Despite Piggy's best efforts, the boys are ultimately unable to resist the pull of their primal instincts, and their civilization collapses into violence and anarchy.

Let's talk about Piggy, shall we? The boy with the oversized glasses and the even bigger brain. Turns out, his childhood wasn't exactly a walk in the park. My auntie told me they couldn't play with me because I'm a burden. Ouch, that's harsh. But at least it gave him plenty of time to think about people and stuff. I mean, I been in bed so much I done some thinking. I know about people. I know about me. And him. Who's him, you ask? Probably not Jack, whom Piggy thinks is better suited for hunting than being chief. I don't care what he says. He's not going to be chief. He's going to be a hunter. But let's be real, Piggy is the one who keeps things organized on the island. I expect we'll want to know all their names. And make a list. We ought to have a meeting. Can someone give this boy a gold star for effort? He's even got the conch to prove it. I got the conch. Just you listen... The first thing we ought to have made was shelters down there by the beach. But despite his best efforts, the other boys just can't seem to get their act together. They're hopeless. The older ones aren't much better... We'll never get rescued if we don't have smoke. It's enough to make Piggy wonder what separates humans from animals and savages. What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages? Deep stuff, man. And then there's the whole beast situation. I expect the beast disguised itself... Perhaps it's only us. Is the beast within us all? Or are we just imagining things? Piggy may not have all the answers, but he knows one thing for sure. I know there isn't no beast... but I know there isn't no fear, either. Can we give this boy a round of applause? He's got a better handle on things than most of the so-called big kids on the island.

The Adventures of Piggy in Lord of the Flies

Piggy Quotes

I don't care what they call me, so long as they don't call me what they used to call me at school.

Which is better—to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?

I got the conch! Just you listen to me!

Point of View

From the perspective of Piggy, the island was a chaotic and savage place. He was constantly trying to bring order to the group of boys who were stranded on the island. Piggy was often ridiculed and bullied by the other boys because of his physical appearance and his intellectual nature.

Despite the challenges he faced, Piggy remained steadfast in his beliefs and tried to maintain a sense of civility among the boys. His unwavering dedication to logic and reason was both admirable and humorous, as he often found himself in ridiculous situations trying to explain his ideas to the other boys.

Table of Characters

Character	Description
Ralph	A natural leader who tries to maintain order on the island
Jack	A violent and aggressive boy who becomes obsessed with hunting
Piggy	An intelligent and rational boy who is often bullied by the other boys
Simon	A sensitive and spiritual boy who is killed by the other boys

As Piggy tried to reason with the other boys, he often found himself in conflict with Jack, who was more interested in hunting and violence than in maintaining order. Despite the challenges he faced, Piggy remained a voice of reason on the island and ultimately helped the boys to understand the importance of civilization and cooperation.

In the end, however, Piggy's dedication to rationality was not enough to save him from the violent tendencies of the other boys. His tragic death serves as a reminder of the destructive power of human nature and the importance of maintaining a sense of civility and compassion in even the most difficult situations.

Closing Message: Thank You for Surviving Lord of the Flies with Piggy Quotes

Well, well, well. Look who made it to the end of our journey through the savage world of Lord of the Flies with Piggy quotes as our guide. You, my friend, deserve a pat on the back. Or better yet, a conch shell to blow triumphantly.

As we wrap up this wild ride, let's take a moment to reflect on all the powerful and humorous wisdom that Piggy had to offer. From his insightful observations on human nature to his hilarious quips about the other boys, Piggy was truly a force to be reckoned with.

Throughout our exploration of Piggy's most memorable quotes, we've laughed, cried, and cringed at the brutal reality of life on a deserted island. But through it all, Piggy was there, providing us with a much-needed dose of intelligence, wit, and humor.

So, to all of you who have stuck with us until the bitter end, we say thank you. Thank you for braving the dangers of the jungle alongside Piggy. Thank you for taking the time to ponder the deeper meanings behind his words. And most of all, thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

As we bid farewell to Piggy and the boys, let's carry their lessons with us into our own lives. Let's remember that intelligence is just as valuable as strength, that cooperation is essential for survival, and that sometimes the best way to get through tough times is with a good joke or two.

And who knows? Maybe someday we'll find ourselves stranded on an island, forced to fend for ourselves against the elements and each other. But if that day ever comes, we'll be ready. We'll have Piggy's words to guide us, and we'll know that as long as we stay true to ourselves and each other, we can overcome any obstacle.

So, once again, thank you for joining us on this adventure. We hope that you've enjoyed it as much as we have. And who knows? Maybe someday we'll meet again on another literary journey, with another quirky character to guide us along the way.

Until then, keep quoting Piggy, keep laughing, and keep surviving. After all, that's what life is all about.