Golding's decisions and effects

       On the first page of Lord of the Flies, William Golding introduces a character we learn to be a boy named Piggy, and he is careful to point out the spectacles he wears. In familiarizing the reader with Piggy and his spectacles this soon in the story, it allows the reader to assume that the two have a sort of special importance/impact on the story. In doing this, the reader is already interested in Piggy and his curious spectacles. This effect helps to foreshadow to later parts in the story where Piggy, and his spectacles, end up playing major roles of importance in the lives of the older boys, and of the lighting of the fire.

       Golding is also careful to describe Piggy’s actions as relatively delicate and thought-out, where as his appearance is quite blunt. In doing this, the reader is already aware of the fact that Piggy is an intellectual, caring person who uses his mind to think through obstacles, however, he may not always be taken as seriously as he should. This is evident when he writes: “He bent down, removed the thorns carefully, and turned around. He was shorter than the fair boy, and very fat.” Later in the story, Piggy becomes one of the only boys able to make civilized decisions, but is usually dismissed and the center of endless ridicule.