In chapter eight, "Gift for the Darkness," Jack finally
splits from Ralph's tribe with a petulant "I'm not playing any longer. Not with you"
(127). While Ralph is visibly shaken by Jack's departure, Piggy is estatic. Jack never
respected him, shoved him and broke his glasses, and belittled him with rude names
whenever possible, so Piggy is not the least bit disappointed to see Jack Merridew leave
the tribe.
Piggy's new found enthusiasm at Jack's leaving
translates into a more hands-on approach at the camp as well. Even with his asthma,
Piggy pitches in to help build the new fire and gather fruit with
Samneric:
"Piggy was so full of delight and expanding
liberty in Jack's departure, so full of pride in his contribution to the good of
society, that he helped to fetch wood"
(129).
Part of Piggy's perky
attitude is motivated by a desire to cheer up Ralph, who is still rather down-trodden
and depressed about the tribe splitting up. Piggy uses the sudden shift in politics to
establish a new working order in the tribe, one without Jack Merridew, where he can play
a more prominent role as Ralph's second-in command.
No comments:
Post a Comment