Jack's Leadership In Lord Of The Flies

What defines a leader? Is it someone who stands out within a crowd? Is it a person with the ability to lead? Is it someone who goes above and beyond to provide leadership? William Golding’s character, Jack Merridew, from the novel Lord of the Flies, would use none of these definitions to define a leader. In his eyes, a leader is someone with control and power over a group of people. Based on events thus far in the novel, it is obvious that Jack will emerge as the leader due to his constant thirst for power, and how he attracts the boys with his favourable values. Jack’s thirst for power throughout the novel demonstrates how he will find a way to obtain leadership on the island. As soon as Jack arrives on the island, he is already in a position of power, he is the leader of the choir. This position makes him feel powerful so he decides that he should be chief, “I ought to be chief”. Jack does not get elected chief but after this …show more content…
Jack is always talking about hunting, which represents fun on the island, while Ralph preaches of being responsible by building huts and a signal fire. “Listen all of you. Me and my hunters, we’re living along the beach by a flat rock. We hunt and feast and have fun. If you want to join my tribe come and see us.” This quote demonstrates how Jack emphasizes to the boys that if they want to have fun, he must be their leader. Jack clarifies that physical strength is something he values in a leader. “’He’s like Piggy. He says things like Piggy. He isn’t a proper chief.’ Jack clutched the conch to him. ‘He’s a coward himself.’” Jack always makes fun of Piggy for being weak, therefore comparing Ralph to Piggy, shows the boys on the island that Jack is the only option for chief because they need someone strong and powerful. Therefore, by Jacks actions, he shows the boys that he is fun and strong, the perfect combination for a worthy