The two narrators in The Pigman provide different perspectives on the events they relate. Each one says the other distorts reality, and doesn't tell the story right. Is one version more "true"? Or do both versions give us a more balanced perspective?
Questions About Versions of Reality
- How does the double narrative affect our perception of the story? What are some of the differences between the two narratives?
- John says: "I don't happen to buy all of Lorraine's stuff about omens. She talks about me distorting, but look at her. I mean, she thinks she can get away with her subliminal twists by calling them omens, but she doesn't fool me. The only difference between her fibs and mine are that hers are eerie—she's got a gift for saying things that make you anxious" (7). Do you agree with this statement?
- How would the story be different with the addition of more narrators, such as Mr. Pignati or Lorraine's mother?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
The double narrative greatly enhances our understanding of the story.
Lorraine actually distorts just as much as John, but she doesn't realize it.