The Pigman Essay

Words: 1013
Pages: 5

Andrea Pigman: Compare and Contrast April 8th, 2024.

Would you say it is true that characters with differing personalities, manners of conducting themselves and standpoints are what enthral readers into pieces of literature? When novels consist of characters with contrasting mentalities and perspectives, it certainly adds depth to the plotline and can make the story seem significantly more realistic and understandable. Furthermore, unalike points of view can cause the reader to perceive the narrative differently within each chapter and enhance their comprehension or alter their interpretation of the novel. Unequivocally, the polar opposite outlooks of the protagonists in The Pigman by Paul Zindel is a faultless example of this. Evidently, John Conlan is assertive and
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Despite John and Lorraine having a vast amount of differences in their personalities and frame of mind, they do have one noteworthy similarity: they both were raised in dysfunctional families. To expand, John grew up under the predominant influence of his father, a former compulsive alcoholic who set an inadequate example for him at an age where he was ingenuous. Concurrently, his mother was indifferent to his deleterious decisions and both her and his husband showed no empathy or endearment towards their son which is why he grew up to be insubordinate and uncompassionate. In Lorraine's case, she constantly struggles with a hypercritical and patronising mother who is distrustful of men and eliminates Lorraine’s self esteem about her physical appearance. Near the beginning of the novel, Lorraine states: “At least once a day she fills me in on one more aspect of my public image- like “your hair would be better cut short, it’s too kinky.” (Pg. 11).” Even though the protagonists’ familial situations contrast with each other, they both evidently have a lack of stability, support and role models at their homes, which is why John and Lorraine gained