Why does Piggy have a greater understanding of people than Ralph does?

Answer 1

Basically, Piggy only has the understanding of one type of person, the democratic and mature type, such as adults, referring to his Auntie in the beginning of the book, and how reliant he was on her, this is his strength in where he knows what's right, but is also his weakness, as he is not familiar with the premature types, such as children his own age, as he said at the beginning of the novel he was teased and so was reliant on his Auntie for support. Golding deliberately chooses Piggy as the insecure intellectual as it both shows how the intelligent are limited and held back by the militant majority.

Answer 2

Piggy has a greater understanding of people than Ralph does because he is more observant and analytical. Piggy is also more thoughtful and perceptive, which allows him to see beyond the surface and understand people's motivations and behaviors more deeply. Additionally, Piggy's outsider perspective and his intellect contribute to his insightful understanding of others.