Lord of the Flies-pwr struggle
The word leader is defined as one who is in command of others. In Golding's Lord of the Flies, the struggle of power is seen between Ralph and Jack. Throughout the novel, the struggle of power is shown through difference of opinion, arguments, and even physical violence. Although Jack gradually obtains more followers through the use of fear, it is not to say that he has more supporters. On the other hand, Ralph continually wins when it comes down to actual votes. He also remains humane, and not savage. That is why Ralph is more suited to be in command of others. That is why Ralph is a better leader than Jack. Jack is an inhumane savage who is unable to feel and understand what is most important to the group. Ralph understands and knows the importance of the situation of the boys. Ralph displays these important qualities as a leader by working towards the well being of the boys. He understands that the boys need stability and order if they are to survive on the island. That is why he creates rules and government to achieve this order. "We're having a meeting, come and join in." (p. 20). Ralph steps up as leader by gathering the boys with the conch and by conducting a meeting discussing the situation that the boy
s were facing. On the other hand, Jack does not treat the boys with dignity. Jack throughout the novel mocks many of the boys including Piggy. Jack is very ignorant and dismisses others by the use of mockery and jeering. This is shown in the novel when Jack yells, "Shut up, Fatty." at Piggy (p. 21). Ralph then goes on to defend Piggy by saying, "He's not Fatty." (p. 21). Ralph understands that in order for the boys to survive, they must be given respect and must be treated as equals. This makes Ralph a better leader because he realizes that the boys must all be treated as equals. Ralph is a humane leader, unlike Jack. Ralph is peaceful while Jack is chaotic. Ralph, throughout the novel encourages peace and order on the island, while Jack's leadership instills destruction. Under Jack's rule, the boys become uncivilized savages through the pig hunts that he holds throughout the novel. On the other hand, Ralph keeps the boys under order through the meetings in which he holds throughout the novel. Ralph also supports peace and order by attempting to build shelters. He understands what the boys need in order to preserve the peace. Ralph says to Jack, "They talk and scream. The littluns. Even some of the others." (p. 52) He is referring to why the boys need shelters. The boys are afraid and Ralph understands this by building the shelters. The boys will feel more secure and at "Home." (p. 52). Ralph understands how to continue being peaceful, which makes him a better leader than Jack. Unlike Jack's violent personality, Ralph cares and is benevolent towards the boys. Ralph continually wants to use the fire as a distress signal in order to get rescued. He assigns groups to make sure to tend the fire. He uses the only form of technology they have in order to do something beneficial to the group. He uses to fire in order for the boys to have hope in being rescued. On the other hand, Jack is nothing like Ralph. Jack uses the fire to try to kill Ralph. He uses it to get Ralph out of hiding. Jack is not helping the group by setting the trees on fire. "The fools! The fools! Th
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Approximate Word count = 1404
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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