Seeing Through Broken GlassThesis Statement: William Golding represents the value of Piggy's glasses in Lord of the Flies through clarity, hope, and intelligence, even if the glasses are broken, they still work. Piggy is the only one on the island who can see clearly, his glasses represent that to him. Piggy's glasses not only help him see literally, but they also help him be clearer and stay focused on the task at hand. “Ralph remembers what we came for. Fire. My specifications” (Golding 177). Piggy reminds Ralph of their task at Castle Rock, to retrieve the specs and the fire. Piggy is focused on the task at hand and wants to do the job the way he wants. He wants to do the job and he wants to get out of it. Piggy brings clarity to the boys: "Which is better: being a bunch of painted Indians like you, or being sensible like Ralph?" ...rules and agree or hunt and kill? ...law and rescue or hunting and destruction? (Golding 180). Piggy tries to talk some sense into the savages and he makes them think about their actions by comparing them to both sides. He tries to bring some common sense to the boys. He helps them see what they've done because their vision is a little blurry from being on the island for so long. Piggy realizes that the situation is becoming tense and tells his camp and Ralph that it is time to take care of the situation. Piggy takes over at the assembly and puts Jack in his place: “I'm just taking the conch to say that. I can't see anymore and I have to get my glasses back. Horrible things have been done to this island. I voted for you for leader. He's the only one who's ever done anything. So now you speak, Ralph, and you tell us what. Or…” (Golding 170). The day... middle of paper ... the boys know that if they don't stay spotless, saving will be the last thing on their minds. Piggy is the brains of the group, he has all the answers. When the boys first light the fire, they want smoke, but only Piggy knows why: "Of course I do." “Because smoke is a signal and we cannot be rescued if we have no smoke” (Golding 173). Ralph's boys all just want to get off the island at this point, they are fighting Jack and his underhanded and underhanded methods of getting what he wants. By stealing the glasses he has an advantage over everyone and the power of fire, so Piggy tries to find a way to keep the smoke signal going so they can still attract the attention of passing ships. With all of Piggy's genius ideas that he shares with the boys about staying safe and civilized on the island, he really isn't rewarded with the respect he deserves..