The Pigman Themes
The three main themes in The Pigman are relationships with parents, consequences, and life and death.
- Relationships with parents: Both John and Lorraine have poor relationships with their parents, who regard them as disturbing burdens.
- Consequences: John and Lorraine have little sense of the consequences of their actions, and they learn that their actions have consequences only when it’s too late to change anything.
- Life and death: The book is filled with images and questions about life and death and is centered on the death of Mr. Pignati.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: Relationships with Parents
John and Lorraine both face difficult relationships with their parents, who perceive them as troublesome burdens. Lorraine's father has passed away, and her mother works as a private-duty nurse to support them. Mrs. Jensen's ethics are questionable: she steals from her patients, receives kickbacks from funeral directors she refers families to, and pressures Lorraine to skip school to clean their home. Although Lorraine feels compassion for her...
(Read more)Themes: Consequences
John and Lorraine, like many teenagers, initially fail to grasp the repercussions of their actions, only realizing the impact when it is too late to change the outcome. They begin by convincing themselves they are merely having fun—visiting Mr. Pignati, hosting a small gathering, and simply enjoying life. However, the gathering gets out of hand, and the ensuing shock leads to Mr. Pignati's death. Both teens recognize their role in his passing,...
(Read more)Themes: Life and Death
The book is rich with imagery and explores themes of life and death. Lorraine's father has died, and her mother comes home each day with complaints and harsh remarks about her dying patients. For example, she comments on one elderly patient, "I wish this one would hurry up and die." She even compares funeral homes, thinking about which offers a bigger kickback for referrals. Lorraine's mother's indifference to death starkly contrasts with...
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