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Pigman vs. Forrester Connections
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The Pigman by Paul Zindel is a story set on
Staten Island. It is about an old man, Mr.
Pignati, coming to the end of his life, and John
and Lorraine, two teenagers whom he meets as a
result of a simple prank.
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The prank evolves almost accidentally into a
genuine friendship between the old man and the
two kids.
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Gradually, the kids learn about Pignatis life
and times, including his undying love for his
wife, Conchetta, who has passed away.
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The lives of John and Lorraine are far from
perfect. Johns father constantly berates him
about his poor choices and pressures him to grow
up and get started learning the family business.
Lorraine has a very strained relationship with
her hypocritical mother, who steals from her
hospice patients and basically employs Lorraine
as her maid and cook.
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As a result of their unique friendship, Pignati
comes out of his shell and begins to enjoy the
simple pleasures of life again (trips to the zoo,
shopping, skating) while John and Lorraine learn
that not all adults are cynical enemies of young
people its almost like Pignati is finding his
youth again with their help.
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Eventually, the friendship is put to a test.
Norton, an acquaintance of John and Lorraine,
begins to ask questions about The Pigman and
whether or not there is anything to steal in the
old mans house. Pignati is also injured in a
fall while horsing around with the kids.
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In agreeing to look after his house while he is
hospitalized, John and Lorraine take on adult
duties that they are not ready for. The
temptation to throw a party is too great and,
naturally, the party gets out of hand with the
arrival of Norton, who breaks The Pigmans prized
possessions. Pignati arrives home just as the
party is getting out of control and the police
arrive to take the kids home.
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John and Lorraines attempts to make up with
Pignati are met with his obvious disappointment
in them. They meet at the zoo where Pignati
learns of the death of his favorite chimp, Bobo.
The bad news is too much for him and is a grim
reminder of his own mortality. Pignati dies.
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John and Lorraine have written the book as a
memorial for Pignati. Lorraine seems to think
that they are to blame for Pignatis death. John
contends that The Pigman would have died alone
had it not been for their friendship. Either
way, the kids have learned about the value of
life and have come to a greater understanding
that they control their own destiny with their
actions.
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There are many similarities between Zindels
novel and the film Finding Forrester.
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The film deals with the same themes of loneliness
and mortality. At the beginning of the story, we
meet Jamal Wallace, a gifted 16-year-old writer
and aspiring basketball player living in the
Bronx. On a dare, he enters the apartment of a
reclusive white man who watches the neighborhood
from his window.
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Jamal accidentally leaves his backpack (full of
his writing journals) in the old mans apartment.
When he gets it back, he finds his journals have
been edited and corrected. Jamal becomes
interested in learning from the old man, who
winds up being a famous novelist William
Forrester.
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Aside from building a friendship with Forrester
based around their writing time, Jamal learns
that Forrester suffers from guilt over the death
of his brother.
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Jamal manages to bring Forrester out of his shell
and show the older man that his life is still
worth living. He gives Forrester the gift of his
friendship and, in turn, Forrester teaches Jamal
about the importance of staying true to himself
and his word.
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That word is put to the test when Jamal comes
under fire for suspected plagiarism on an essay
contest. Jamal keeps his word, doesnt mention
his friendship with Forrester, and is prepared to
lose his scholarship as a result of his promise.
In the eleventh hour, Forrester shows up at
Jamals school, reads the boys eloquent words,
and confirms that Jamal wrote his own work. The
value of their friendship is even greater as a
result.
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Forrester leaves for his homeland of Scotland.
Jamal later learns that Forrester has passed away
from cancer and left Jamal his apartment and
possessions, including the new novel he wrote and
some final words of inspiration.
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Both stories deal with the concept of a mentor
an older person who passes wisdom and life
experience on to a younger person. In the
process of mentoring, both sides of the
friendship are inspired to live life to the
fullest and learn something new from their
experience.
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For the test, you will be expected to write about
the plots of both stories and their similarities
in theme and characters.
Based on this presentation and your memory of the
stories, write down 5 similarities between them
at the top of a sheet of lined paper.
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• In addition, you should know the 30 vocabulary
  words for The Pigman.
• The following exercise will help you prepare for
  that section of the test. Number your sheet of
  lined paper 1-15. As we review each word, use
  the image provided to write a sentence with the
  vocabulary word. Underline the vocabulary word
  in each sentence.

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Paranoia (n.) suspicion mistrust fear
Example answer Mike feels major paranoia every
time he hears people whispering.
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1. commemorative (adj.) in memory of an event
or person
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2. avocation (n.) a hobby or something done for
enjoyment
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3. philanthropy (n.) charity or generosity
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5. omen (n.) a prophecy or a sign
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6. terminal (adj.) fatal incurable
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7. hypertension (n.) elevation in blood
pressure emotional tenseness
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8. aficionado (n.) a fan or admirer
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9. mundane (adj.) dull boring
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10. delicacy (n.) a choice food, considered
rare due to its price or availability
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11. varicose (adj.) abnormally swollen
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12. ritual (n.) any action practiced in the
same exact manner each time
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13. interrogate (v.) to question or grill for
answers
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14. amplify (v.) to intensify or strengthen,
usually a signal
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15. spontaneity (n.) impulsiveness ability to
do something at a moments notice