The age-old question of what truly makes a good leader can be answered in many different ways. In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, the contrasting personalities of the boys stranded on the island serve as a setting for this dispute. The three oldest boys have vastly different personalities as leaders: Piggy is the smartest, Jack is ambitious, and Ralph is charming. Some would argue that it is thirst for power, like Jack has, that is most important; others might say that intelligence, seen in Piggy, is the most crucial element of a good leader. However, neither of these boys become the leader on the island, and Ralph is the one that the other boys choose to rally around. Ralph has the potential and general qualities to be an excellent
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Ralph is one of the most logical characters in the novel; he is able to make decisions when needed, but he also knows when to let others do what they do best. He is excellent at figuring out compromises so that everyone will be happy. This is best displayed when Ralph first becomes the chief and immediately distributes his power: “Ralph looked at him, eager to offer something. ‘The choir belongs to you, of course’” (23). Ralph shows that he is a good leader in this instance because he knows Jack is upset and offers him a deal that will benefit both of them. He also knows when to let others do the work, such as letting Jack lead the hunters and Piggy do the thinking. Ralph is able to use the other boys’ most valuable assets to his advantage as a leader. However, although Ralph’s rationality is an important quality, even more essential to his leadership skills is his undefinable charisma that draws the boys in. His appearance as the quintessential good English boy is mostly what makes the boys vote for him, as evidenced by the quote “But there was a stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him out; there was his size, and attractive appearance” (22). The boys overlook important qualities, such as intelligence and power, in favor of Ralph because of his appearance. Ralph also has a personality that appeals to everyone on the island. He is a take-charge, confident boy, and his confidence makes the other boys feel safer in
Ralph is one of the most logical characters in the novel; he is able to make decisions when needed, but he also knows when to let others do what they do best. He is excellent at figuring out compromises so that everyone will be happy. This is best displayed when Ralph first becomes the chief and immediately distributes his power: “Ralph looked at him, eager to offer something. ‘The choir belongs to you, of course’” (23). Ralph shows that he is a good leader in this instance because he knows Jack is upset and offers him a deal that will benefit both of them. He also knows when to let others do the work, such as letting Jack lead the hunters and Piggy do the thinking. Ralph is able to use the other boys’ most valuable assets to his advantage as a leader. However, although Ralph’s rationality is an important quality, even more essential to his leadership skills is his undefinable charisma that draws the boys in. His appearance as the quintessential good English boy is mostly what makes the boys vote for him, as evidenced by the quote “But there was a stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him out; there was his size, and attractive appearance” (22). The boys overlook important qualities, such as intelligence and power, in favor of Ralph because of his appearance. Ralph also has a personality that appeals to everyone on the island. He is a take-charge, confident boy, and his confidence makes the other boys feel safer in