The document provides an analysis of the characters of Ralph and Jack in William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies. It discusses how Ralph begins as a strong leader but loses control as the group gives in to savage instincts, while Jack changes from a choirboy to a savage leader. It also compares how Ralph was motivated by hope of rescue, while Jack was motivated by hunting and killing. The differences between the two boys form the main conflict in the story.

1. Ralph and Jack in Lord Of The Flies Essay
William Golding's Lord of the Flies is a novel about a group of boys who are lost on a deserted
island and must do what they can to survive. At the beginning of the novel, two of the boys, Ralph
and Jack, become leaders. These differences will form the main conflict in the story. The differences
will cause them to hate each other and the anger that results is a recurring part of the plot throughout
the novel. These two boys can be compared by the way they change, the reason for their actions,
and the way they use or abuse power. Both of the boys change a lot during their stay on the island.
Ralph begins the novel as a leader and role model to the other boys. But eventually, the group gives
in to savage instincts and Ralph's position...show more content...
Jack ordered that the boys put their head of the dead pig on a stick, but the boys follow him out
of fear. Essentially, Ralph changes from leader to fugitive and Jack changes from choirboy to
savage and leader. Jack and Ralph were motivated for their actions in different ways. Ralph was
motivated strictly by the hope of being rescued. Even though he called meetings and tried to
organize the group of boys to do simple things like build huts or keep the fire going so they could
be rescued or survive, the boys would go play or bathe. Ralph said to Jack В‘"And they keep
running off, you remember the meeting? How everyone was going to work hard until the shelters
were finished?" (51) The only person who would listen or work with Ralph was Simon.
Unfortunately, the other boys continued to ignore Ralph's leadership throughout the novel and
eventually all turned to Jack for leadership. Jack was motivated by hunting and killing. His
obsession for this began when he was frustrated with himself for not killing the pig in the first
chapter: В‘"He snatched his knife out of the sheath and slammed it into a tree trunk. Next time
there would be no mercy" (29).There would actually be no mercy from Jack from that point on.
Eventually all of the boys, except for Ralph and Piggy, turned to Jack's evil ways, even to the point
of participating in the killing of Simon. Effectively, Ralph was motivated by the hope
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2. Lord Of The Flies, Chapter 1 Essay
Write an analysis of the opening chapter of Lord of the Flies. How effective is it at introducing the
characters, concerns and language of the novel?
The first chapter of the novel, The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding is effective in establishing
the characters, concerns and language for the remainder of the book, as well as introducing the main
themes of the novel; that the problems in society are related to the sinful nature of man and good
verses evil. In Golding's first chapter, the main characters are introduced, we see many ominous signs
of what's to come through the authors choice of language and the beginning of rivalries, issues and
concerns are portrayed which are to continue throughout the rest of the book. The...show more
content...
That's a reef out to sea." These statements show Ralph to have intelligence to make conclusions on
his own accord, and we are able to see the character can think for himself. Continuing through the
first chapter, after the meeting with the conch, we see Ralph as a natural leader, "there was a
stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him outВ…. Ralph raised is hand for silence"
throughout the clamour of choosing a leader, we see Ralph is willing for others to get their say,
yet he is still able to have control over the situation and manages to leave the group in awe of him.
Throughout the first meeting, Ralph is perceived as someone who does good, such as calling all the
boys together, yet he is not so out of touch that he can't relate to the normal temptations in life. These
qualities Golding describes Ralph to have in this first chapter, and incredibly important for the
remainder of the novel.
It is no surprise that Piggy's nickname is such. When Golding introduces the character, he has just
come out of the bushes, after suffering from diarrhoea through eating too many unripe berries. The
author continually relates to the fact that the boy is fat, and in many descriptions, Golding
blatantly says this such as "The fat boy looked startled". As we progress through the early pages,
we learn more of Piggy's appearance through the conversation between Piggy and Ralph. "I've been
wearing specs since I was three". With these
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3. In the famous novel named "Lord of the flies", there are four main characters that William Golding
built up to represent the typical personalities in human nature. While Jack stands for the powerfully
instinct savagery, Simon represents the natural kindness and Piggy with his glasses is the symbol of
wisdom, Ralph has the best conducts of a real leader as he was initially voted for chief. There are
three main characteristics that mark him out as a felicitous leader: rational, moral and unflinching.
First of all, the most important trait that makes Ralph the best leader is his rational mind. I
personally think that a leader should be a respectable and organized person. Ralph demonstrates his
leading ability very well by the way he treats...show more content...
Ralph specially cared about keeping the fire burning as a distress signal since he believed there's
no better way to help them be rescued. "The fire is the most important thing on the island. How
can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don't keep the fire going?" (80). Ralph common sense
to determine what is best for the group as a whole further demonstrates his superior leadership
skills. He insisted on keeping the fire and exasperated when the boys ignored their mission. Ralph
is not easily distracted person like the other boys, especially Jack when he tried to hunt the wild pig
and let the fire out.
Secondly, Ralph is not only a rational leader but also a moral person, who cleverly keeps the
fairness in his group. "Ralph, looking more understanding at Piggy, saw that he was hurt and
crushed. He hovered between the two courses of apology or further insult 'Better Piggy than Fatty"
(25). Ralph is sincere and considerate for other people. He apparently understand their feeling and
particularly shows his sympathy for Piggy. Ralph is sensible enough to realize that everyone
deserves to be respected. He believes no one should have to put up with being tormented. Ralph
gently gains others' support by treating them equally, showing his compassion and ability to
empathize with them. Opposite to Ralph, Jack is immoral, violent and condescending. "He's going
to beat Wilfred" (159). He does not care or understand the natural equality of
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