Table of ContentsIntroductionUnsung Contributions of PiggyPiggy as Leader of Lord of the FliesConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionIn any group of children, it stands to reason that some will be popular and powerful while others Others will be teased and rejected. In the real world, adults use their authority to control these divisions and maintain balanced group dynamics. In Lord of the Flies, however, the children must fend for themselves and elect their own leader – and Piggy, wise but despised, is never seriously considered. Although Piggy is intelligent, rational, and innovative, he lacks the charisma and facility with language that Ralph and Jack possess, traits which the book suggests play a crucial role in establishing their authority. Piggy may have the tactical intelligence to be a good leader, but since he can't play that role convincingly, he wouldn't be able to bring the boys together if given the chance. Piggy's dynamic in Lord of the Flies illustrates the challenges of leadership in a primitive environment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Piggy's unappreciated contributions Although his contributions often go unrecognized, Piggy came up with some of the island's most important innovations. He sees the potential of the conch as a rallying tool and firmly believes in its ability to ensure the smooth running of operations. He understands the importance of taking a census, which the other boys only recognize after the little boy with the mulberry birthmark disappears and they cannot determine how many other little ones were killed in the fire. Piggy's glasses provide the spark for the signal fire, metaphorically demonstrating how intellect can spark great progress. Piggy, erudite and no-nonsense, is a born administrator, who knows how to categorize and use information effectively. He also demonstrates surprising personal strength, both in his ability to tolerate the cruel taunts of the other boys, including his supposed friend Ralph, as well as in his willingness to express the unpleasant truth about the likelihood of a rescue. However, despite these admirable qualities, Piggy flatly fails on the rare occasions he attempts to lead. He stubbornly clings to outdated customs, such as the use of the conch, long after Ralph and Jack realize that the shell no longer has any hold on the group. Piggy insists on rules even when they are clearly irrelevant, and this picky attitude, along with his constant ranting and self-righteous complaining, scares people away. Ralph and Jack intuitively know how to rally their followers, while Piggy seems to relentlessly push them away. Piggy fails so much, in fact, that he ends up dying trying to lead: he is crushed while waving the conch, vainly ordering the others to listen to him. Piggy as a leader in Lord of the Flies Piggy's utter failure in a leadership role suggests that there are significant differences between a "leader" and a "thinker". Ralph has an aura of poise and ability that earns him confidence. His authority is rooted in personality rather than innovation (he relies on Piggy for this) and he understands the importance of rhetoric in gaining followers. For example, he speaks in the language of rescue, playing on the boys' deepest hopes and fears to strengthen his hold over them. Jack also wields power effectively, and boys are attracted to his glamor and charisma. Jack's leadership is grounded, 1954.