Final answer:
Piggy, Simon, and the littlun with the birthmark share the common trait of vulnerability that affects their roles and the group's perceptions of them in 'Lord of the Flies'. Their experiences reflect the novel's themes of societal structure, power, and the challenges faced by those perceived as weak or different.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Chapter 4 of Lord of the Flies, Piggy, Simon, and the littlun with the birthmark share a commonality in their status as outsiders or figures of vulnerability among the boys on the island. Piggy is intellectually strong but physically vulnerable due to his poor eyesight and asthma. Simon is depicted as a sensitive and possibly spiritual character that often takes a backstep from the group. Lastly, the littlun with the birthmark is one among the smallest boys, whose concerns are often overlooked by the older ones.
These commonalities among the characters highlight the theme of vulnerability and the complex dynamics of power and societal structures within the novel. Piggy's intellectual contributions are often overshadowed by his physical weaknesses, preventing him from taking a central role in decision-making. Simon's quiet nature and propensity for solitary reflection separate him from the group dynamic, often leaving him overlooked or misunderstood. Similarly, the littlun with the birthmark represents the voicelessness of the most vulnerable in society; his disappearance signifies the group's descent into savagery and the loss of innocent voices.
The shared experiences of these characters through the first three chapters underscore the struggles they face against the dominant forces within the group, portraying how their attempts to maintain civility and governance are challenged by their physical and character vulnerabilities.