Lord of the Flies: Jack Vs. Ralph

In William Golding’s novel, ‘Lord of the Flies’,  a plane carrying a group of British boys, ages six to twelve, has been shot down over a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. The stranded group  try to recreate a society similar to the one they left behind in England. Two of the main characters, Ralph and Jack, both want to be the leader. Although the reader’s sympathies are usually with Ralph, many of the boys decide to follow Jack. There are many differences in what both boys stand for and how they behave throughout the novel.

When fair-haired Ralph is first introduced to the reader you can see that he has a good sense of observation.  “This is an island. At least I think it’s an island.  That’s a reef out in the sea.” Ralph blows into the conch shell and it makes a deep booming sound. At this point a red headed boy, Jack Merridew, leads a group of choir boys clothed in black robes, across the beach, toward the sound from the conch.  Jack gives them orders and refuses to allow them to take off their heavy cloaks, even when one of the boys faints. Already, Jack demonstrates that he likes to be in control.  Ralph lifts the conch and says, “Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things.’ Jack automatically assumes he will be the chief and confidently states, “I ought to be chief because I’m chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp.” The reader might think the boys would choose Jack because he has experience as a leader and he also has a choir who obey his commands. However, Ralph is chosen as the chief because he represents power and strength as he stands with the conch in his hand.

After Ralph became chief ‘the boys broke into applause’ and ‘the freckles on Jack’s face disappeared under a blush of mortification.’ This demonstrates Jack’s anger, jealousy and resentment toward Ralph. Ralph, on the other hand tried to be fair. “The choir belongs to you, of course,” said Ralph.  “What do you want them to be?” Jack replied, “Hunters!” This answer indicates an evil and violent side of Jack.

Ralph believes in structure and order and he sees what must be done for their survival and rescue. He arranges meetings so that the boys can work together on building shelters, gathering food and keeping a fire going so that passing ships will see the smoke. Everything Ralph wants done shows that he is responsible and has common sense.  On the other hand, Jack wants to hunt and play.  He is obsessed with slaughtering a pig and eventually does so, brutally. He is also aggressive as demonstrated in his repeated stabbings of trees