The Pigman Questions and Answers
The Pigman
What did John's father give him when he was 10 years old in The Pigman?
When John was ten years old, his father, whom he sarcastically calls "Bore," gave him positive reinforcement for drinking beer. Instead of stopping John from emptying beer glasses around the house,...
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In The Pigman, why does Lorraine sympathize with her mother?
Lorraine feels sympathy for her mother because she is an empathetic young girl, and she knows her mother really does have a difficult life. Lorraine's mother is working at a job she hates in order to...
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How do the characters, Pigman, Lorraine, and John, change throughout the story?
Throughout the story, John and Lorraine experience significant personal growth. John starts as a rebellious troublemaker with issues concerning authority and a lack of adult care. Through his...
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Character Relationships in The Pigman
In The Pigman, John and Lorraine's relationship evolves from friendship to romance, highlighted when they dress in Mr. Pignati's clothes and share their first kiss. Their involvement with Mr. Pignati...
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What do Lorraine's and John's future dreams reveal about their personalities?
Lorraine's dream of becoming a writer reflects her analytical and introspective personality, as she prefers observing and understanding people, using writing as an outlet for her insights. John's...
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Reasons John and Lorraine are writing about the Pigman
John and Lorraine are writing about the Pigman to come to terms with their feelings of guilt and grief after his death. They aim to document their experiences and the impact he had on their lives,...
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How does Lorraine explain her mother's attitude toward men in chapters 10-12 of The Pigman?
Lorraine explains her mother's negative attitude toward men by revealing her mother's past experiences. Her mother was betrayed by Lorraine's father, who had an affair while she was pregnant. This...
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In The Pigman, how do John and Lorraine befriend the Pigman?
John and Lorraine become friends with Mr Pignati in a rather unusual way, by playing a trick on him.
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Find two examples of literary terms in The Pigman by Paul Zindel.
In Paul Zindel's The Pigman, two examples of literary terms include metaphor and symbolism. A metaphor is used throughout the novel with the concept of being "in a cage," representing how characters...
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How do John's father and Mr. Pignati treat John differently in The Pigman?
In The Pigman, the difference between the way John's father and Mr. Pignati treat John is that John's father is cold and distant, whereas Mr. Pignati is a much warmer and kindlier father figure.
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The cause and significance of Bobo the baboon's death in The Pigman
The cause of Bobo the baboon's death in The Pigman is John and Lorraine's neglect. They fail to care for Mr. Pignati's pet after his hospitalization, leading to Bobo's demise. The significance lies...
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Why does John describe his telephone game as a "telephone marathon"?
John describes his telephone game as a "telephone marathon" because it involves randomly selecting a phone number and trying to keep the person on the line as long as possible. The winner is the one...
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Lorraine's View and Justification of John's Behavior in The Pigman
In Paul Zindel's The Pigman, Lorraine views John as a sweet, kind, and misunderstood teenager who portrays himself as more rebellious than he is. She describes him as handsome, which helps him avoid...
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Conflicts in Paul Zindel's The Pigman
In The Pigman by Paul Zindel, the main conflicts include the internal struggles of the protagonists, John and Lorraine, as they deal with their guilt and grief over Mr. Pignati's death. Additionally,...
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John's initial impression and description of the start of the incident with Mr. Pignati in The Pigman
John's initial impression of the incident with Mr. Pignati in The Pigman is one of curiosity mixed with apprehension. At the start, he describes the situation as unusual and slightly unsettling,...
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Who was the assassin in "The Pigman's" story "The Assassin and the Boatman"? Did he kill the wife?
The assassin in "The Assassin and the Boatman" is the one who kills the wife. However, the story's purpose is to provoke thought about who bears the most responsibility for her death: the assassin,...
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Why is Mrs. Jensen in The Pigman contemptuous of men?
Mrs. Jensen is contemptuous of men due to her negative experiences with her husband, who contracted a venereal disease while she was pregnant with Lorraine, revealing his infidelity. This betrayal...
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Why were John and Lorraine arrested in The Pigman?
John and Lorraine were not arrested because Mr. Pignati chose not to press charges after the police arrived at the party. They were the only ones left at the scene, as John was passed out and...
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Mrs. Conlan's feelings about John's drinking and smoking
Mrs. Conlan disapproves of John's drinking and smoking. She is concerned about the negative impact these habits might have on his health and future, reflecting traditional values and a desire for...
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Details about John learning of Mrs. Pignati's death and the papers he discovered
John learns of Mrs. Pignati's death when he finds papers indicating her passing while exploring the Pignatis' house. These documents reveal the truth about her absence and the impact her death has on...
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In Zindel's The Pigman, what is the fruit roll and when was it unsuccessful?
In "The Pigman," the "fruit roll" was a prank organized by John, where students rolled apples down the classroom aisles, creating a thunderous noise to startle substitute teachers. It was typically...
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Did Janice Dickery drop out during her junior year in The Pigman?
Janice Dickery dropped out of school during her junior year due to a problem involving another student, Jack Braun, which was related to her sexuality. She is described as "very mature," and her...
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John's maturation in Zindel's "The Pigman."
John's maturation in "The Pigman" is marked by his evolving sense of responsibility and empathy. Initially reckless and rebellious, his friendship with Mr. Pignati and the experiences they share lead...
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In The Pigman, why did John and Lorraine invite many people?
John and Lorraine invited many people to their party at the Pigman's house because they wanted to reciprocate the invitations they had received from friends in the past. They felt it was good...
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What's a suitable thesis statement for "The Pigman"?
A suitable thesis statement for "The Pigman" could focus on the theme of maturation and responsibility. For example: "In The Pigman, John and Lorraine develop and mature into adults who are forced to...
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John's attitude towards school in The Pigman
In The Pigman, John exhibits a dismissive and rebellious attitude towards school. He often skips classes, plays pranks, and shows little interest in his studies, reflecting his broader sense of...
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Examples of metaphors in Paul Zindel's The Pigman
Examples of metaphors in Paul Zindel's The Pigman include comparing Mr. Pignati to a pig to symbolize his jovial and generous nature, and describing the Conlan house as a "cemetery" to reflect the...
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How might Conchetta Pignati have died in The Pigman?
Conchetta Pignati likely died from a sudden illness or accident, as suggested by the lack of details and Mr. Pignati's denial of her death. He copes by pretending she is on a trip to California,...
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What explanation does John from "The Pigman" give for playing pranks?
John explains that he plays pranks as a way to cope with the pressure and boredom he feels from his family, particularly his father, who wants him to follow in his footsteps in the stock exchange....
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Why did Lorraine buy stockings for her mother with Mr. Pignati's money in "The Pigman"?
Lorraine buys stockings for her mother with Mr. Pignati's money because she recognizes her mother's financial struggles and wants to help, despite their strained relationship. Her mother, a single...
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In The Pigman, why does Lorraine despise the Baron Park Zoo?
Lorraine despises the Baron Park Zoo because she is saddened by the caged animals and perceives the attendants as uninspired and insensitive. She is disturbed by the way an attendant feeds sea lions...
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Norton calling Lorraine a "screech owl" and John's defense in The Pigman
In The Pigman, Norton calls Lorraine a "screech owl" to insult her, highlighting his rude and abrasive nature. John defends Lorraine by standing up to Norton, demonstrating his protective feelings...
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John and Norton's Behavior and Reactions in The Pigman
In The Pigman, Norton is curious about Mr. Pignati because he wants to exploit him, suspecting he might have valuables worth stealing. Norton is portrayed as a bully with a history of theft, partly...
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Mr. Pignati's Death and Relationships in The Pigman
In Paul Zindel's The Pigman, Mr. Pignati, a lonely widower, dies of a heart attack triggered by emotional trauma. His friendships with teenagers John and Lorraine and his bond with a baboon named...
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John and the main characters' biggest problem in The Pigman by Paul Zindel
The biggest problem John and the main characters face in The Pigman by Paul Zindel is their struggle with loneliness and the consequences of their actions. Their search for excitement and connection...
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John and Lorraine's views on Norton and Dennis in The Pigman
In The Pigman, John and Lorraine have a complex relationship with Norton and Dennis. Lorraine perceives Norton as trouble, describing him as violent and socially outcast due to his past as a thief....
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Who would be three suitable actors for Lorraine, John, and Pigman in Paul Zindel's "The Pigman"?
For a movie adaptation of Paul Zindel's "The Pigman," suitable actors might include John Cusack as John, given his ability to portray a conflicted hero; Brian Dennehy as Mr. Pignati, due to his...
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Why was John removing the beer in The Pigman?
John removes the beer cans for two main reasons: Lorraine asks him to help clean up Mr. Pignati's house before his return from the hospital, and John feels responsible for the mess since he drinks...
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Who is the character Dennis in The Pigman?
Dennis Kobin is a friend of John and Lorraine, often seen with Norton Kelly. He is considered a follower, not as malicious or conniving as Norton, and is portrayed as "not very bright." Known for his...
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Who is Miss Reillen in "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel?
Miss Reillen, known as "The Cricket," is the librarian at Franklin High School in Paul Zindel's The Pigman. She is characterized by the distinctive sound her tight clothing makes as she walks. John...
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Who is Mrs. Jensen in The Pigman by Paul Zindel?
Mrs. Jensen is Lorraine's mother, characterized as cynical, pessimistic, and insecure in Paul Zindel's The Pigman. She works as a home-care nurse and is a single mother after separating from her...
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Explain the following quote from The Pigman: "Masterson's tomb is an escapist's dream in the summer, but it's a...
The quote highlights the contrast between summer and winter experiences at Masterson's Tomb, a secluded spot where John and his friends gather to escape adult supervision. In summer, it's an ideal...
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How does Mr. Pignati treat John and Lorraine on their first visit?
Mr. Pignati treats John and Lorraine with kindness and respect during their first visit to collect the money for their fake charity. He invites them to come back sometime to go to the zoo with him.
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In Zindel's The Pigman, what animals do John and Lorraine encounter at the zoo?
In Zindel's The Pigman, John and Lorraine encounter various animals at the zoo with Mr. Pignati. They see sea lions, a peacock, owls, pottos, vampire bats, vultures, snakes, alligators, tortoises,...
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In "The Pigman", why does John enjoy the cemetery and why does Lorraine accept Mr. Pignati's gifts?
John enjoys the cemetery because it offers a secluded hangout for drinking and a place for solitude and reflection, as he finds it beautiful and an escape from daily life. He is intrigued by the idea...
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What threat does Norton make when inviting John for a beer at Moravian's Cemetery?
Norton threatens John by suggesting that if John doesn't provide more information about Mr. Pignati, he and Dennis might visit Mr. Pignati themselves, implying they might steal from or harm him. This...
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Where is Lorraine's father in The Pigman by Paul Zindel?
Lorraine's father in "The Pigman" is absent because her parents legally separated around her birth, and he died when she was nine. Lorraine's mother frequently recounts the story of their separation,...
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John's mother leaving the dinner table in The Pigman by Paul Zindel
In The Pigman by Paul Zindel, John's mother leaves the dinner table because she is upset by the conversation and John's behavior. Her departure signifies her inability to cope with family conflicts...
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In The Pigman by Paul Zindel, what does John write on the table?
John writes a humorous message on the library desk in Paul Zindel's The Pigman, stating: "HELP ME!!! A rotten science teacher has given me a drug to change me into a teeny weeny mosquito... Please...
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What two things did Mr. Pignati ask the kids to take care of in his absence?
Mr. Pignati asked Lorraine and John to take care of his house and his beloved baboon, Bobo, while he was in the hospital. He instructed them to feed Bobo dry-roasted peanuts from the yellow package...