Maturity In The Pigman

The Pigman, by Paul Zindel, was written with the intended audience of young adults, and due to such, presents a variety of themes that all remain relevant to the adolescent mind and ideology. These themes range from the determination of guilt and responsibility, to the ultimate acceptance of mortality and existentialism, including the dread that comes with it. However, the most prevalent theme in the novel seems to regard maturity, and more specifically, the lack of correlation between age and maturity, and the conscious decision to live blissfully within ignorance, or to bravely face reality. In the novel, both protagonists, John and Lorraine, live in a less than ideal familial circumstance. Lorraine lives with her morally corrupted and widowed mother, whom through

This initiates, in both children, a maturity and side of reality that they are, considerably, too young to experience. On the contrary, Mr. Pignati, an eccentric quinquagenarian that is subconsciously grieving over the death of his wife, seems to lack a sense of reality, and finds life much more enjoyable through the games and practices of a child. He spends his time isolated from the world, and despite being rather lonely, finds comfort in visits to a local zoo, roller blading throughout his house, and constantly searching for someone with which he can share his endless jokes and tricks. These characters all lack of moderation in regards to different aspects of their maturity: John and Lorraine accept reality, but still refuse to accept blame and lie with hope of creating provocation. Mr. Pignati, forgives the children and society for their moral violations and possesses an optimistic attitude, yet represses his grievance for the death of his wife and refuses to accept his life and age for what it is or is expected to