The Pigman Essay

“Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.” This quotation from author, public speaker, and talk show host Dennis Prager is about positive character. The Pigman is about changing to be a positive person. In The Pigman the characters make many mistakes. They learn from these mistakes and in the process better themselves. They learn to treat others right Many characters in The Pigman have assets that make a great character. Lorraine from The Pigman is a very caring, responsible, and honest person. Lorraine shows these assets through her actions and words. She cares very much for those around her. Lorraine has responsibility

and this is shown by how she takes account for her actions. Lorraine is also very honest and always tells the truth. Paul Zindel’s novel The Pigman allows the reader to explore viewpoints on the following developmental assets: compassion, responsibility, and honesty.

Lorraine is a very caring person, as exhibited by her actions toward others.

She cares for the people around her and makes sure they are safe. She does not use other people for her own gain or happiness. Lorraine is a very conscious person and focuses on other people rather than herself. She does her best to make other people feel better. Lorraine states that she is “terrified at what my mother would say when I brought her home three pairs of stockings” (84). Clearly, Lorraine is compassionate because she wants to do something nice for her mom and is very mindful about making her happy. Even though her mom does not treat her nicely, Lorraine is still very caring toward her. Lorraine is a very good friend to others because she is warmhearted. Lorraine is gloomy and even bemoans, “I miss him” (118). It is apparent to the reader, Lorraine is very caring towards Mr.Pignati, and they have a good relationship. This proves she is kind because she misses those around her and cares when they are hurt. This exemplifies how Lorraine is affectionate toward the people she

loves.

Lorraine accepts and takes personal responsibility for her actions, as evidenced by her apologies. She owns her actions, good or bad. One example of Lorraine being responsible is when she takes the blame for the mess she made at the party. John affirms, ‘“Lorraine and I want to apologize for having that party… I mean Lorraine and I will pay for everything’” (152). This statement shows that Lorraine takes accountability for her actions and behavior. She takes an obligation over what she does, and this act of liability shows responsibility. Lorraine remorsefully states, ‘“Mr.Pignati, we feel terrible”’ (153). Lorraine feels guilty and ashamed for her actions. This deed is her taking the blame for her actions and showing that she feels remorse. She is owning her behavior and wants to make it right. Lorraine has the asset of responsibility and this is shown throughout her actions and thoughts.

Lastly, Lorraine tells the truth, even when it is shameful, and not easy to tell.

Lorraine is very honest and sincere about her actions. In The Pigman, Lorraine does many things she is ashamed of but still tells the truth; one example is when she lies to Mr.Pignati. Lorraine and John tell Mr.Pignati that they are charity workers that want him to donate money toward charity. This is a lie, but Lorraine tells the truth. Lorraine expresses in an ashamed tone, ‘“You see, Mr.Pignati, we’re not charity workers”’ (101). Lorraine is very honest and open. She has chosen to not be deceitful and lie. Lorraine tries to be her true self. She realizes she needs to be truthful with those around her and have clarity with herself. This demonstrates how Lorraine is truthful, even when it is shameful or hard to

tell.

Based on evidence from The Pigman, Lorraine is very compassionate, honest and reliable. The way Lorraine interacts with close ones shows she is very affectionate and adores them. She makes the right choices and she tries to fix problems, instead of hoping they will go away. Lorraine is a very genuine person and tells the truth. All of these assets will change life, and open up new opportunities to meet new people and do new things. Change must come from within. If each person works on change, then they may change others in the process. Even though one person is a small fraction of the population, they still leave an impact on the world. Words and actions are very memorable, especially the kind ones. So make a mark on the world by being the best person possible.