Compare Simon and Piggy's Treatment in Lord of the Flies Chapters 1-5

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In Lord of the flies, Simon and Piggy are both seen as outcasts in the story, but play different roles in reflecting and contrasting the deteriorating morality among the boys as time flies, and their positions with the main characters, Ralph and Jack, in terms of physical ability and mainly in spiritual terms. They both represent different qualities that the boys no longer treasure and disregard as much importance of as time passes by. Simon represents the recognition between good and evil, and also, the purity and goodness of humanity, where Piggy symbolizes intelligence and rationality. For Piggy, we can already get a grip on how unwelcomed he is in the very start of chapter one, where everything was still unsettled and unexplored, the first person he met on this island, Ralph, had already shown no interest on him. In terms of physical ability, Piggy is portrayed as a fat, highly unattractive and a greasy figure that is not very active and quite sluggish in actions, compared to Ralph. How Piggy lowered himself over the terrace and sits down carefully presented that him being an old man that has difficulties in his action. In direct contrast, Ralph is portrayed as a graceful and athletic figure that is child-like and full of wonder as we can see from the quote “laughed delightedly again and stood on his head”. He has swift motions, and has fit and muscular body shape. Piggy’s physical difference and limited movements separate him from Ralph, as he can’t be able to get along with the adventurous and explorative ventures. This difference kind of also symbolizes the separation of Piggy from the bunch of boys later on. In terms of position and maturity level, it’s pretty obvious that Piggy is much rational and sensible than Ralph in suggesting ideas, like talking about getting organized and getting a meeting, where Ralph is just a young and naïve
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