How Does Ralph Corrupt Pure Government In Lord Of The Flies

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According to English Novelist George R.R. Martin, “There is a savage beast in every man, and when you hand that man a sword or spear and send him forth to war, the beast stirs” (Martin). This concept holds true in Lord of the Flies by 20th century English author William Golding, an allegorical novel in which boys stranded on a tropical island are used as symbols to present intricate themes about human civilization. Many characters in the novel differ greatly, because each person is a symbol of power in a more sophisticated society. Two interesting characters that Golding uses to explain the theme that beast like individuals can eventually corrupt pure government are Jack and Ralph, who differ in both personalities and leadership styles.
First, …show more content…
Jack is shown to be arrogant and pretentious, when in competing against Ralph for leadership, he proudly says, “‘I ought to be chief… because i’m chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp’” (Golding 2). When he is confronted by Ralph for letting the fire go out, he ignores the priorities and instead focuses on what interests him most; hunting. His obsession for hunting encourages him to become more and more violent as a person, and his dark personality becomes stronger as the novel progresses. Hunting becomes his main priority, and he drags many other boys along with him, leaving many important tasks on the island unfinished. This is shown when Ralph holds a meeting to explain that “‘[they] decide things. But they don’t get done” (Golding 79). However, rather than taking this advice into good account, Jack once again focuses on his own interests, …show more content…
Immediately, from the start of the novel, Ralph displays good personality that makes him appealing as a leader. After being chosen as the leader of the boys, with Jack being his competitor, Ralph does not gloat and poke fun at Jack like many others would do; he realizes Jack’s disappointment and gives Jack control over the choir when he says, “‘the choir belongs to you, of course’” (Golding 23). While this may not seem like a major event, it’s just a start from where Ralph’s kind personality can be put into action. He is always observant of others feelings, such as when he observes the little uns, saying, “‘You’ve noticed haven’t you?...They’re frightened’” (Golding 52). Though he does have flaws, as when he betrays Piggy’s trust, his personality still establishes order on the island where it was not before. These kind and caring personality traits lead to good leadership skills, which are displayed constantly throughout the novel. Though Ralph becomes leader and gains power from the start of the novel, he knows how to use that power for good, and realizes that it would be foolish of him to abuse his power. Ralph always sets important priorities first, as when he proclaims that the boys “must make a fire” so that “if a ship comes near the island”, it will see them (Golding 38). When someone has to
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