Lord of the Flies: Savagery and Civilization the Two Symbolic Leaders

Society usually thinks of a leader as a heroic, ethical chief, but unfortunately, the most oppressive dictators effect the most change. This idea is demonstrated in William Golding’s, Lord of the Flies. In this tale, a group of British boys are trapped on an island trying to survive by themselves. There are two boys who become leaders, but the way each one leads couldn’t be more different. Jack and Ralph are symbols, which Golding uses to display a Democratic, kind leader versus a manipulative, aggressive tyrant.

Ralph is a charismatic, democratic, and a somewhat intelligent young man who was elected as the first leader by a vote on the island. Not only that but, Ralph is the only one conscientious enough to listen to Piggy’s intellectualism. Along with Ralphs comprehension, his wits and his sense are up to par, during the deceased parachutist fiasco Ralph was able to keep his group of boys persistent on the chance of rescue. Even going as far as to step up to courageously explore Castle Rock alone. When the situation goes tense Ralph always initially responds politely, for instance when Simon disparage the boys about their belief about the beast Ralph, “answered him politely, as if agreeing about the weather” (Golding 149). Although amiable Ralph did blunder while trying to portray his message to the general population of the island, and not to mention Ralph did squander his relationship with all his biguns which lead to Jacks power campaign.

Being quite the opposite Jack is a manipulative, egotistic, oppressive savage with a quench for power and control. Starting out as a civilized chorister Jack begins to go down the path of lunacy, by small acts of id, like arguments, and minor quarrels to sociopathic acts of terrorism like killing another man in cold blood. Carelessly summoning up the solution of basic needs Jack is able to slowly gain control. Jacks dictate style is similar to him as a person, manipulative like the boys were going up the mountain to find the beast Jack rasped, “‘If you don’t want to go on,” said the voice sarcastically, “I’ll go up by myself.” Ralph heard the mockery and hated Jack”(Golding 173). Using a blend fear and intimidation, Jack gives up a little control to his followers but still upholds the rule. If someone was to break this rules then they would be treated with anything from mockery to torture. Although lacking inaugural charm Jack did eventually gain the support of boys and Jack was able to change their morals to become savage.

Jack and Ralph are commonly referred to as different sides of the same coin because both Jack and Ralph share the common goal of control but beyond that, they both have different personalities, demeanors, and effects on the island. Jack and Ralph, although having a few similarities like nationality and goals are complete opposites of each other. Golding characterizes Jack and Ralph to be entire antithesis, making Jack to be a tyrannical despot while Ralph appears as a rational free thinker. As leaders, Ralph was able to convey his message of rescue to the common people, but as the boys progressed into savages Jack gained command. Furthermore, Although Ralph was more respectful and logical he failed to make the boys cooperate, they would often sneak off to go play, like when they were making huts and they realized that most of the kids were gone Ralph said, “I bet if I blew the conch this minute, they’d come running. Then we’d be, you know, very solemn, and someone would say we ought to build a jet, or a submarine, or a TV set. When the meeting was over they’d work for five minutes, then wander off or go hunting” (Golding 70). Jack on the other side uses more militant strategies that has a far better effect letting Jack gains the respect of his tribe while forcing them to go against their conscience.

Every character in Goldings Lord of the Flies represents a symbol, Jack and Ralph both represent leadership. Though the difference lies in how they govern. Take Jack, for example, he symbolizes corruptness, savagery, and inhumaneness of commander, and although ruthless with to his brethren He had the majority of his island on his side commit acts of murder. Then Ralph a chief who symbolizes logic and respectfulness, but still is a kid who makes mistakes. Ralph attempts to keep the kids from indulging in savage acts but fall short and losses power. These to boys are primary symbols of the light and darkness of a men’s heart.