The Pigman by Paul Zindel Born in NYC in 1936. Became a high school teacher in 1959. Began writing career while teaching. Uses teenagers as his protagonists. His ten years of teaching experience provided him with a “million stories” about young people.

Features of Zindel’s Writing Goal is to help young readers to stop feeling inferior. He wants his books to offer hope and to teach young people self-respect. Romance, mischief, and suspense are frequently found in his works. He uses these elements to enhance action and establish realism.

Setting A frequent feature of Zindel’s work is a school setting. * He believes such an environment helps to create a realistic atmosphere * This realistic atmosphere helps readers to identify with the story. Staten Island, New York Late 1960s

Point of View Two first person narrators John and Lorraine * main characters in the story * take turns narrating * often have insights into one another’s pesonality.

Themes Escape from loneliness Deception and lying Dealing with death and loss Family Relationships Friendship Responsibility

Symbols Baboons Ceramic pigs