CHARACTER ANALYSIS OF RALPH AND JACK IN NOVEL LORD OF THE FLIES
RALPH
My favourite character, and the one that I can relate to most is Ralph, who is a dynamic character and the protagonist in the story. He has fair hair, is a little older than twelve, and physically has lost the appearance of a child because he doesn’t have a prominent tummy, but he isn’t awkward like an adolescent. He has strong shoulders that would suit him well if he were to become a boxer in the future. Although his body has the attributes of a future athlete: “…there [is] a mildness about his mouth and eyes” (Golding P.5). He is sensible, logical and intelligent, and even though he teases Piggy about his name in the story’s beginning, he is kind and has compassion for others. He tells the others that the area where they first met on the beach should be the place where they meet, and he also tells them that they need to build huts. As well, he realizes the need to build a signal fire in order to catch the attention of any passing ship that could rescue them. Even though he is elected as the leader of the boys, he is insightful, and recognizes that Jack is upset so in order to assuage Jack’s hurt feelings he acknowledges him:” Ralph [looks] at him, eager to offer something…The choir belongs to you, of course…Jack is in charge of the choir…What do you want them to be?” (Golding.P.19) Ralph has the skills that make a good leader, for example when he makes a gesture for quiet while he asks Jack this question. He tells the boys that they need to have rules in order to get along and to survive, and he is very aware of the importance of his role as chief: “…if you [are] a chief, you [have] to think, you [have to be wise]” (Golding P.83). Even though the approach to Castle Rock is frightening, Ralph recognizes that as chief, he needs to be a leader, so despite his fear, he says that he will be the one to cross to the rock. Initially, Ralph hangs out with Piggy, and even though he is scornful of...