Thursday, July 4, 2013

In Lord of the Flies how is Ralph a better leader than Jack? So far, I have that Ralph is more determined, respectful, and more civilised. Here...

Quite simply a leader such as Ralph is rational--although flawed at time--and demands order.  For instance, he prioritizes by making the kindling of the rescue of paramount importance.  He seeks to maintain order by regular meetings in which protocol is observed: one must have the conch in order to speak.  Rational decisions must be made; fright and superstition and animal urges are controlled and not allowed to rule a person.  When, for example, the boys speak of the beast, Ralph and Piggy seek to allay their fears as an adult would, and tell the boys that they will search the island.  In short, Ralph acts in a civilised manner typical of British culture. (civilised is the word)


On the other hand, Jack represents anarchy.  He is typical of the dictator of some South American countries who come into power through force and exert force to control others.  Jack engages the hunters in hunts, but also sadistic games such as the one in which they pretend that Robert is the pig.  Soon thereafter, the boys kill Simon--a natural progression for such sadistic savagery.  Always Roger stands in the background, Roger, the evil side of Jack, the embodiment of sadism who only held back from hurting Henry earlier in the novel because of the conditioning of his British society.  Given the opportunity to kill, Roger, who represents what all the hunters are progressing toward, brutally murders Piggy. From this point on the boys degenerate; Sam and Eric are conscripted into the hunters under duress and Ralph becomes prey to the savages.  Ironically, the link to civilisation, the fire, saves Ralph as it rages out of control and the naval ship sights it.


Anarchy or order--This is the choice between Jack and Ralph in "Lord of the Flies." 


By the way, be sure to employ the literary present tense.  One always uses present tense since he/she is analyzing/interpreting in the present moment.

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