Piggy is one of the main characters in Lord of the Flies, who represents intelligence and common sense.
In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, English boys are stranded on a tropical island. To recreate society, they elect a leader and establish rules.
However, as time passes, their primitive instincts take over, and they descend into savagery.
The other boys often ridicule Piggy for his physical appearance and lack of athletic ability. Despite this, Piggy is a loyal friend to Ralph.
In this article, we will look at 20 quotes by Piggy that highlight his character traits.
70 Lord of the Flies Quotes With Page Numbers
Who Is Piggy In Lord Of The Flies?
Piggy is one of the main characters in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. He serves two roles: as a scapegoat for the other boys and a commentary on life.
Piggy is a twelve-year-old overweight boy who wears glasses. He is the most intelligent boy on the island and suggests that they create a government and a democracy.
Piggy is Ralph’s sidekick, and his loyalty to Ralph is unwavering. He is always the voice of reason and justice and a strong advocate for creating and maintaining rules and order amongst the boys.
Piggy also represents intelligence, wisdom, and rationality, frequently challenging the other boys’ irrational ideas and decisions.
His symbolic glasses demonstrate his power and ability to think critically, which the other boys lack.
Despite his intelligence, he is constantly bullied and mistreated by the other boys because of his physical appearance and lack of athleticism.
While he is a source of stability and order on the island, his calm attitude and leadership are often overlooked and overshadowed by the more aggressive and physical dominance of the savages.
Piggy’s role in Lord of the Flies is as a scapegoat and a source of commentary on human nature, highlighting the tendency of individuals to overlook intelligence in favor of physical prowess.
Lord of the Flies Characters Symbolism
Piggy Lord Of The Flies quotes with page numbers
1. “Didn’t you hear what the pilot said? About the atom bomb? They’re all dead.”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies (Piggy), Chapter 1, Page 14
Piggy’s comment about the atomic bomb reveals that the world outside the island is in chaos and destruction, likely due to the atomic war.
His somber statement implies that human civilization has been wiped out, leaving the boys as the only survivors.
2. “Acting like a crowd of kids!”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 2, Page 38
Piggy’s disdainful comment reveals his disdain for the other boys’ behavior, suggesting that he views them as immature and irresponsible. He disapproves of their chaotic, seemingly aimless behavior, believing they should be more responsible.
3. “Give me my specs!”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies (Piggy), Chapter 2, Page 41
Piggy’s desperate plea for his glasses symbolizes his need for order and clarity in a chaotic world. It also demonstrates his intelligence, often overshadowed by the physicality and brawn of the other boys.
4. “How can you expect to be rescued if you don’t put first things first and act proper?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 2, Page 45
This quote by Piggy reflects his desire for the boys to keep their wits about them and to act in a manner that will help them to be rescued from the island rather than wasting their energy on hunting and painting faces.
He believes that the boys must put their priorities in order and stay organized and disciplined to increase their chances of being rescued.
5. “That little ‘un that had a mark on his face—where is he now? I tell you I don’t see him.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 2, Page 46
Piggy expresses his concern about the welfare of the small boy with a mark on his face, questioning his whereabouts and whether or not he is safe. He is showing his concern for the boys and his desire for them to remain safe and together.
6. “People don’t help much.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 3, Page 54
The quote “People don’t help much” from Lord of the Flies reminds us of the potential for human nature to lead to chaos when people don’t take the time to consider how their decisions affect others. It highlights the importance of taking the initiative to help and support those around us to create a better society.
7. “He wanted to explain how people were never quite what you thought they were.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (The narrator: about Piggy), Chapter 3, Page 54
This quote from Piggy highlights the complexity of people and warns us against forming snap judgments. It reveals that people are rarely as they appear and that true understanding can only be gained by digging deeper.
8. “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 paused.
“Unless—”
Ralph moved restlessly.
“Unless what?”
“Unless we get frightened of people.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piiggy and Ralph), Chapter 5, Page 84
Piggy’s quote implies that fear of other people is a more dangerous and insidious threat than any physical beast. He warns that allowing fear to dominate our lives can have terrible consequences and suggests that it is possible to be scared of people.
The Beast Lord of the Flies Quotes
9. “What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 5, Page 91
This quote from Piggy in Lord of the Flies reflects the novel’s central theme that individuals have a potential for both good and evil, depending on the environment in which they are placed.
Golding implies that without the restraints of civil society, humans can easily descend into a state of savagery.
Lord of the Flies Savagery Quotes and Page Numbers
10. “If you don’t blow, we’ll soon be animals anyway.”
“If I blow the conch and they don’t come back; then we’ve had it. We shan’t keep the fire going. We’ll be like animals. We’ll never be rescued.”
“If you don’t blow, we’ll soon be animals anyway.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Characters: Ralph and Piggy), Chapter 5, Page 92
Piggy warns Ralph that if they don’t use the conch to call the other boys back and organize, they will soon descend into savagery and remain on the island, never to be rescued. He emphasizes the need to maintain order and authority, or they will slip into a primitive state of living.
Lord of the Flies Fire Quotes And Page Numbers
11. “I’m scared of him,” said Piggy, “and that’s why I know him. If you’re scared of someone you hate him but you can’t stop thinking about him. You kid yourself he’s all right really, an’ then when you see him again; it’s like asthma an’ you can’t breathe. I tell you what. He hates you too, Ralph—”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Characters: Simon, Piggy, and Ralph), Chapter 5, Page 93
Piggy’s quote reflects the complex emotions of fear and hate experienced when scared of someone.
The quote implies that even if we try to deny or ignore our fears, they still strongly influence us and that even if we think we have our fears under control, we can still be overwhelmed by them when confronted with the person we fear.
10 Simon Quotes With Page Numbers
12. “(Jack) hates you too, Ralph…You got him over the fire; an’ you’re chief an’ he isn’t… He can’t hurt you: but if you stand out of the way he’d hurt the next thing. And that’s me.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Characters: Piggy), Chapter 5, Page 93
Piggy’s quote illustrates his understanding of the power dynamics between Jack and Ralph and the extent of Jack’s resentment towards Ralph.
Piggy understands that Jack is willing to hurt anyone who stands in his way, in this case, Piggy himself.
15 Jack Lord Of The Flies Quotes
13. “Grownups know things,” said Piggy. “They ain’t afraid of the dark. They’d meet and have tea and discuss. Then things ’ud be all right—”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 5, Page 94
This quote from Piggy speaks to the need for adults to provide guidance and structure that children lack. He acknowledges that adults have the knowledge and experience to make decisions and solve problems children cannot.
The idea of meeting and having tea reflects the need for rational discourse and the hope that an adult presence will bring the boys a sense of security and comfort.
14. “Now you done it. You been rude about his hunters.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 8, Page 125
This quote from Piggy reflects his disappointment in the tribe’s lack of respect for the hunters and their work and their lack of consideration for the consequences of their actions.
It warns that disregard for others and selfishness can have disastrous results, and it shows Piggy’s commitment to civility and morality in the face of chaos.
15. “They always been making trouble, haven’t they?”
The voice came near his shoulder and sounded anxious.
“We can do without ’em. We’ll be happier now, won’t we?”
~Golding William, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 8, Page 131
Piggy is commenting on the bad behavior of some of the boys on the island, suggesting that without them, the rest would be better off.
He implies that getting rid of or avoiding troublemakers could lead to a better environment and greater happiness.
16. “I dunno, Ralph. We just got to go on, that’s all. That’s what grown-ups would do.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 8, Page 139
Piggy is trying to encourage Ralph to stay positive and keep going despite the difficulties they face on the island. He suggests that they should try acting as grown-ups would and keep looking for a solution to their problems.
17. “I dunno, Ralph. I expect it’s him.”
“Jack.” A taboo was evolving round that word too.”
~Golding William, Lord of the Flies, (Characters: Ralph and Piggy), Chapter 8, Pages 139, 140
In this quote, Piggy is trying to warn Ralph that the boys are beginning to fear Jack and his power over them.
He suggests that Jack has become a symbol of power for the group and that awareness of their growing tension is crucial.
Lord of the Flies Fear Quotes With Page Numbers
18. “Come away. There’s going to be trouble. And we’ve had our meat.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 9, Page 151
This quote highlights the danger of the boys’ unchecked power and the consequences of their violent hunt for power. Piggy is warning Ralph of the potential trouble that will arise if they continue to ignore their moral responsibility and indulge their primal desires.
He suggests they already have enough satisfaction from their hunt and that it is time to return to a more rational, civilized state.
19. “That’s right. We was on the outside. We never done nothing, we never seen nothing.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 9, Page 158
This quote from Lord of the Flies reflects the helplessness of Piggy and the other boys, who feel they are on the outside of events and have no control over them.
It conveys a sense of powerlessness in the face of forces beyond their control, highlighting the boys’ need to take responsibility for their actions.
20. “Which is better — to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?
Which is better — to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?
Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, (Piggy), Chapter 11, Page 180
Piggy’s quote suggests establishing and following laws and agreements is a better option than hunting and killing, as it allows for a more orderly society.
He is trying to convince Jack and his hunters that it is better to adhere to rules and arrange for rescue rather than indulge in chaotic and violent behavior.
Piggy quotes lord of the Flies Chapter 1
“My auntie told me not to run,” he explained, “on account of my asthma.” “Ass-mar?” “That’s right. Can’t catch my breath. I was the only boy in our school what had asthma,” said the fat boy with a touch of pride. “And I’ve been wearing specs since I was three.”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies, Piggy, Chapter 1, Page 9
“Didn’t you hear what the pilot said? About the atom bomb? They’re all dead.”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies, Piggy, Chapter 1, Page 14
“I was with him when he found the conch. I was with him before anyone
else was.”~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, Piggy, Chapter 1, Page 24
Quotes about piggy in lord of the flies chapter 2
“Piggy, partly recovered, pointed to the conch in Ralph’s hands, and Jack and Simon fell silent.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, The narrator about Piggy, Chapter 2, Page 34
“His specs – use them as burning glasses! “
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies, Jack about Piggy’s glasses, Chapter 2, Page 40
Piggy’s Death Quote Chapter 11
“The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist. Piggy, saying nothing, with no time for even a grunt, traveled through the air sideways from the rock, turning over as he went. The rock bounded twice and was lost in the forest. Piggy fell forty feet and landed on his back across the square red rock in the sea. His head opened and stuff came out and turned red. Piggy’s arms and legs twitched a bit, like a pig’s after it has been killed. Then the sea breathed again in a long, slow sigh, the water boiled white and pink over the rock; and when it went, sucking back again, the body of Piggy was gone.”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies, The narrator about Piggy, Chapter 11, Page 181
Quotes about Piggy’s appearance in Lord of the Flies
“The naked crooks of his knees were plump, caught and scratched by thorns. He bent down, removed the thorns carefully, and turned around. He was shorter than the fair boy and very fat. He came forward, searching out safe lodgments for his feet, and then looked up through thick spectacles.”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies, The narrator about Piggy, Chapter 1, Page 7
“An expression of pain and inward concentration altered the pale contours of his face. He smeared the sweat from his cheeks and quickly adjusted the spectacles on his nose.”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies, The narrator about Piggy, Chapter 1, Page 1
“He wore the remains of a pair of shorts that had once been white and on these there were traces of patterned material like a shirt. His face was animated by frightened eyes and a mouth that worked.”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies, The narrator about Piggy, Chapter 3, Page 55
There had grown up tacitly among the biguns the opinion that Piggy was an outsider, not only by accent, which did not matter, but by fat, assmar, specs, and a certain disinclination for manual labor.
Piggy intelligence quotes
“Acting like a crowd of kids!”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, Piggy, Chapter 2, Page 38
“How can you expect to be rescued if you don’t put first things first and act proper?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, Piggy, Chapter 2, Page 45
“He wanted to explain how people were never quite what you thought they were.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, The narrator: about Piggy, Chapter 3, Page 54
“If you don’t blow, we’ll soon be animals anyway.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, Ralph and Piggy, Chapter 5, Page 92
What were Piggy’s last words?
Piggy’s last words were, “Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?” He shouted this question to the savages as he held out the fragile, shining beauty of the shell, and moments later, he was killed by a boulder launched by the boys.
What is a quote that shows that Piggy is intelligent?
Piggy is shown to be intelligent in the quote from Chapter 5, “If you don’t blow, we’ll soon be animals anyway,” where he recognizes the danger of the boys descending into savagery and warns Ralph to take action before it is too late.
His insight and understanding of the boys’ behavior imply wisdom beyond his years.
What is a quote about Piggy in Chapter 2?
“His specs – use them as burning glasses! ”
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies, Jack, Chapter 2, Page 40
“How can you expect to be rescued if you don’t put first things first and act proper?”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, Piggy, Chapter 2, Page 45
“That little ‘un that had a mark on his face—where is he now? I tell you I don’t see him.”
~William Golding, Lord of the Flies, Piggy, Chapter 2, Page 46
Roger Quotes From Lord of the Flies With Page Numbers
What does Piggy’s death symbolize?
Piggy’s death symbolizes the downfall of civility and rationality, as it marks the end of Ralph’s attempts to keep the boys from descending into savagery.
It shows the victory of violence and brutality over wisdom, kindness, and civility and warns of the danger of fear and unchecked aggression.
Who Dies In The Lord of the Flies and How?
What is Piggy’s real name in the book?
Piggy’s real name is never mentioned in Lord of the Flies. His nickname is given to him due to the other boys’ perception of his physical appearance. He is characterized by his intelligence and desire to maintain order on the island.
What is most important to Piggy in LOTF?
Democracy, order, justice, and loyalty are most important to Piggy. He believes in having a government and a say in politics, rejects mistreatment and name-calling from others, and keeps Ralph loyal despite the other boys’ opposition. He also values his intellectual capabilities.
Piggy was an outsider quote page number
“There had grown up tacitly among the biguns the opinion that Piggy was an outsider, not only by accent, which did not matter, but by fat, and assmar, and specs, and a certain disinclination for manual labor. “
~William Golding, Lord of The Flies The Narrator about Piggy, Chapter 4, Page 65
Sources: