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About the Book  The Pigman

The Pigman begins with John Conlan and Lorraine Jensen, two mischievous high school students, narrating their story. Their tale starts with a prank call to Angelo Pignati, an elderly man they dub "The Pigman" due to his collection of porcelain pig figurines. What begins as a joke soon turns into something much deeper.

As John and Lorraine spend more time with Mr. Pignati, they discover a kind and generous soul who has been living in isolation since his wife's death. They explore his house, share laughter, and visit the zoo together. Through these interactions, both students begin to see Mr. Pignati as a father figure, and he, in turn, gains a new lease on life through their youthful energy.

The story takes a darker turn when John and Lorraine, while left alone at Mr. Pignati's house, throw a party that spirals out of control. The Pigman returns home to find his sanctuary violated and collapses from the shock. The emotional climax reveals the fragility of human connections and the devastating effects of betrayal and loss.

In the aftermath, John and Lorraine are forced to confront their actions and the impact they had on Mr. Pignati’s life. The novel ends on a contemplative note, with both characters reflecting on the lessons they've learned about responsibility, empathy, and the consequences of their choices.

Themes in the book The Pigman

Loneliness and Isolation: Loneliness is a pervasive theme in The Pigman. Mr. Pignati's isolation is a result of his wife’s death, leaving him yearning for companionship. Similarly, John and Lorraine, despite their rebellious exteriors, struggle with their own forms of loneliness. This theme provides a powerful discussion point on the importance of human connection and the impacts of social isolation.

Deception and Trust: Throughout the novel, deception drives the plot forward. John and Lorraine’s initial relationship with Mr. Pignati is built on a lie, and their continued deceit eventually leads to tragic consequences. This theme examines the moral implications of dishonesty and the delicate nature of trust.

The Search for Identity: Both John and Lorraine are in the midst of adolescence, a period marked by the search for identity. Their interactions with Mr. Pignati help them explore who they are and who they want to become. This theme can facilitate discussions on self-discovery and the factors that shape a person's identity.

The Value of the Individual: Until John and Lorraine get to know Mr. Pignati, they only see him as some old guy. But by getting to know him, they learn to appreciate him as a person. Discuss this theme with students and relate it to other situations.

Activity Ideas for the book The Pigman

Character Journals: Encouraging students to keep journals from the perspectives of John, Lorraine, and Mr. Pignati can help them understand the characters' motivations and emotions. This activity promotes empathy and allows students to engage deeply with the text.

Writing Prompts: Provide writing prompts that encourage students to explore the novel's themes. For example, ask them to write a letter from John or Lorraine to Mr. Pignati, expressing their feelings and regrets after the party. This exercise can enhance their understanding of character development and thematic depth.

Ethical Discussion: Ask students whether the things John and Lorraine did--like the prank phone call or having the party--were "right" or not. Hold a discussion about whether "pranks" are good and funny--or not. 

Research Assignment: Have students research the problem of "loneliness" in our society and ways it can be handled. 

Combat Loneliness Project: Tell students to find one person in their lives who seems to be lonely. It could be a relative, a neighbor, a fellow student--anyone--and have students do something nice to combat that person's loneliness: start a conversation, visit them, take them a homemade craft or food or a plant, whatever seems appropriate.