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Lord of the Flies

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Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies

Typically, in western culture masculinity is traditionally constructed as a way to show physical superiority. Masculinity in society is typically shown through the physical body which shows that masculinity is generally constructed to be heroic and a dominant power. This is shown in the novel Lord of the Flies, the theme of masculinity through the physical body is used to gain power from the group of boys. Characters in this novel were made to show different views, these characters Piggy, Ralph and Jack Merridew. As much as Ralph and Piggy try to provide hope the need of power pushes the other boys into complete savagery.

Piggy is an overweight boy with asthma that can not see without his glasses. In the novel he represents physical weakness and mental strength. Piggy’s obesity and poor sight help show that he lacks in physical well being, also his glasses help illustrate his intelligence. In the novel Piggy provides ideas that are valuable to the group. His ability to be logical in situations helps Ralph lead the group. But because of Piggy’s lack of physical appearance he is not treated like as leader like Ralph and Jack. Piggy has contributed to the group numerous times. He has helped Ralph become leader by identifying the conch and how to use it. Piggy always stands by his ideas and decisions; he defends his system of having names and having laws. When Piggy dies all the law and order dies with his as well. In many instances Piggy was either ignored or threatened by other boys. Piggy was a main target for Jack because of his lack of physical strength and the need to be logical. The only ideas that were considered being used were the only ones that Ralph had suggested as the group would not listen to Piggy. Later in the novel when the boys separate into different groups the need of fire for survival overwhelms humanity and forces Jack and others to steal Piggy’s glasses, another factor of Jack’s decision was because of

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