Why is john and Lorraine writing a memorial epic in the pigman?

In Paul Zindel's *The Pigman*, John and Lorraine aren't writing a *memorial* epic, but rather a fictional, grandiose epic *about* Mr. Pignati, *after* his death. It's not a memorial in the sense of a formal tribute, but rather a way for them to process their grief and their complicated relationship with Mr. Pignati.

Their epic is a way to:

* Immortalize Mr. Pignati: They feel a profound sense of guilt and responsibility for Mr. Pignati's death. The epic becomes a way to keep his memory alive and, in their minds, atone for their actions.

* Escape Reality: John and Lorraine are grappling with serious issues, including their own mortality and the complexities of their adolescence. Creating this fantasy epic is an escape from the harsh realities of their lives and the weight of their guilt.

* Give Meaning to their Actions: The epic allows them to reframe their relationship with Mr. Pignati, casting themselves in a more heroic, or at least less culpable, light. They can control the narrative, shaping the story to reflect their own perceptions and desires.

* Explore Themes of Good and Evil: The epic becomes a framework for them to wrestle with the moral implications of their actions and the ambiguous nature of good and evil.

In short, the epic is not a formal memorial, but a coping mechanism, a creative outlet, and a way for the teenagers to grapple with the profound impact of Mr. Pignati's death and their own culpability.