As a child, I was fond of reading the original The Three Little Pigs. Like the other kids, I sympathized with the pigs and I hated the wolf. After reading the version of humorist James Finn Garner, I think my feeling for the story changes a bit. Good thing I’m a grown up now I already know how to take in stride such alteration in one of my favorite stories. Garner’s Three Little Pigs is a humorous portrayal of the negative consequences of progress, most especially in impoverished countries.
The three pigs represent the group of individuals who oppose progress. They are usually found in third world countries where holdovers are common. These people are used to the comfort of their old abode and they have no plans of changing or abandoning it. Besides, they have much reason to stay on their traditional ways, and one of those reasons is their culture. It is their identity, it’s what they are. The intrusion of progress will only mean the destruction of their domain and culture, which will eventually lead them to lose their own identity.
They will be lost in a progressive world. However, progressists are not to be denied. They must have their way even if it means the demise of the others. The big bad wolf is a perfect representation of this group. I am not saying that progressive people are totally bad, but their obsession for change makes them look unappealing, at least for the opposition. Their overwhelming wealth, power and influence make them more of a threat than a potential possibility.
They usually do not take no for an answer and they see failure as a motivating force to innovate and push through. On the other hand, Garner portrays the opposition as not entirely righteous, either, because towards the end of the story, the pigs massacre the wolves who invaded their land. In fact, they even joyfully dance around the corpse of the dead wolf. Well, if this not heartlessness, I don’t know what is. Also, I agree with the addition of the United Nations in the story. This shows that the author recognizes higher authorities.
