The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, stresses Thomas Hobbes’s theory that all civilization eventually corrupts due to human nature. Although the two main characters, Ralph and Jack, share a few similarities in the beginning, they later divide completely due to their different values, beliefs, and views on society. Ralph hopes for an organized society, maintaining order as chief while they wait for a rescue ship. On the other hand, Jack lets savagery overcome him, prioritizing his lust for power and using violence to threaten all things that get in his way. The similarities and differences between the two emphasize Golding’s theme that if not controlled in a proper manner, one’s mind can easily corrupt from the thirst for power. In the
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Ralph initially assembles the boys by blowing the conch, which symbolizes order in society. Shortly after Ralph blows “a series of short blasts” an entire group stands before him (17). From the start, Ralph possesses leadership skills by assembling a group and controlling his administrative abilities for everyone’s best profit, as they come together, united as one clan instead of living on the island divided and only having themselves to depend on. In addition to, Jack also possesses leadership abilities as he introduces himself confidently and talks with pride, suggesting that he contains no self doubt. Jack demands that he should claim the chief role “with simple arrogance” (22). From the beginning, Jack has full confidence in himself to rule the island, an important leadership skill that all quality authority figures must acquire. However, in Jack’s case, too much confidence can result in excessive conceitedness, where the authority figure ignores all other suggestions on improving their policies because of pride. “Jack shook his head,” to indicate that although the littluns have trouble sleeping, he still believes he should not change his actions to please them, refusing to give them more care and attention than anyone else, despite their age …show more content…
Ralph’s principal focus revolves around the signal fire and constantly making sure that the smoke remains strong and visible, just in case a rescue ship stumbles upon them. Whenever Ralph notices the smoke had been missing, Ralph becomes furious with the group, claiming that he holds the chief role and asks, “can’t you see the mountain? There’s no signal showing. There may be a ship out there” (108). Ralph’s main priority orbits around the fire, just in case a ship comes across the island, as this will benefit the entire group. In order to prioritize his ideal among the others, Ralph tries to make sure that he maintains that power and stability among the group, remaining their role model figure. He sees the need for the boys to stay civilized and attempts to create authority by building shelters for the boys to sleep in. Believing that they are to everyone’s advantage, he works hard and finally “two shelters were in position” (50). Ralph symbolizes how sometimes one can overcome vicious tendencies by persistently trying to keep the peace, clearly seeing that the island needs civilization to function, not savagery. Therefore, the fire and huts become useful as they create order, a civilized conduct. On the other hand, Jack continues to represent corrupt leadership skills, consistently favoring savage tendencies. He rubs paint on his face and states that it symbolizes, “hunting. Like in the
Ralph initially assembles the boys by blowing the conch, which symbolizes order in society. Shortly after Ralph blows “a series of short blasts” an entire group stands before him (17). From the start, Ralph possesses leadership skills by assembling a group and controlling his administrative abilities for everyone’s best profit, as they come together, united as one clan instead of living on the island divided and only having themselves to depend on. In addition to, Jack also possesses leadership abilities as he introduces himself confidently and talks with pride, suggesting that he contains no self doubt. Jack demands that he should claim the chief role “with simple arrogance” (22). From the beginning, Jack has full confidence in himself to rule the island, an important leadership skill that all quality authority figures must acquire. However, in Jack’s case, too much confidence can result in excessive conceitedness, where the authority figure ignores all other suggestions on improving their policies because of pride. “Jack shook his head,” to indicate that although the littluns have trouble sleeping, he still believes he should not change his actions to please them, refusing to give them more care and attention than anyone else, despite their age …show more content…
Ralph’s principal focus revolves around the signal fire and constantly making sure that the smoke remains strong and visible, just in case a rescue ship stumbles upon them. Whenever Ralph notices the smoke had been missing, Ralph becomes furious with the group, claiming that he holds the chief role and asks, “can’t you see the mountain? There’s no signal showing. There may be a ship out there” (108). Ralph’s main priority orbits around the fire, just in case a ship comes across the island, as this will benefit the entire group. In order to prioritize his ideal among the others, Ralph tries to make sure that he maintains that power and stability among the group, remaining their role model figure. He sees the need for the boys to stay civilized and attempts to create authority by building shelters for the boys to sleep in. Believing that they are to everyone’s advantage, he works hard and finally “two shelters were in position” (50). Ralph symbolizes how sometimes one can overcome vicious tendencies by persistently trying to keep the peace, clearly seeing that the island needs civilization to function, not savagery. Therefore, the fire and huts become useful as they create order, a civilized conduct. On the other hand, Jack continues to represent corrupt leadership skills, consistently favoring savage tendencies. He rubs paint on his face and states that it symbolizes, “hunting. Like in the