The Pigman's Symbolic Cages

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Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “ Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” This quote has different meanings to all three main characters in the novel The Pigman written by Paul Zindel. John, Lorraine, and Mr. Pignati all have their own symbolic cages that keep them trapped within and makes them scream inside wanting to be free. Contrary to what some people may think, not only young people like John and Lorraine can be locked up in symbolic cages, but so can adults such as Mr. Pignati. There are two types of cages in this novel, the cages that real for Bobo and other animals, and there are symbolic cages that apply to John, Lorraine, and Mr. Pignati which makes them trapped and affects everyone around them. John is trapped inside of his symbolic cage and is kept in mostly by his father Bore. John has had aspirations to become a famous actor when he gets older, but has been discouraged by his father all the time. This could lead John into having self confidence problems when he’s older and hurting his future ...

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