Ralph vs. Jack

Ralph vs. Jack

Ralph vs. Jack

In a society they’re generally people who are better leaders than others. In most cases the stronger people are better influences which others tend to follow. However, sometimes the strongest person is not the best choice. In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, the characters Ralph and Jack stand at opposite ends of the spectrum between leadership, savagery and appearance. However their desires bring similarities to these traits.

Throughout the novel we see that Ralph and Jack share similar leadership qualities, but there is a great difference in the way they use these attributes to benefit both themselves and others. Ralph and Jack both begin the novel with similar beliefs, both wanting to implement rules. “I agree with Ralph. We’ve got to have rules and obey them.”-pg.55 Ralph displays useful human qualities as a leader by working towards the betterment of the boy’s society. He tries to maintain order and keep everyone civilized. “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking.”-pg.31 Ralph delegates power among the other boys while maintaining stability. Jack desires power above all other things. His feelings are mostly towards having fun. “You and your fire.”-pg.54 Jack is more interested in killing rather than maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Although Ralph was voted to become the leader of the island; Jack had not truly accepted the idea and continued to guide the boys. He presents himself disrespectful towards Ralph’s suggestions. "Conch! Conch! We don't need the conch anymore.”-pg.110 Although Ralph may seem like the ideal leader, he lacks in many characteristics; the main one being intelligence. Throughout the novel Ralph has to depend on Piggy for ideas. “He’s like Piggy. He says things like Piggy. He isn’t a proper chief.”-pg.2 Jack has the most leadership experience of all the boys. He was the head of the choir and also knows what it takes to be a leader. The characters of Ralph and...

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