Lord of the Flies - Ralph's Character Essay

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Adversity can bring out the evil in people but strong morality will keep the trait controlled. Lord of the Flies, a novel by William Golding, is about a group of British school boys who are stranded on an island with no adults and are left to survive by themselves. While he is on the island Ralph, a moral leader, grows as shown through his strong character, his ability to be a civilized role model, and his correct decisions towards dilemmas. Ralph has a number of character traits that are shown throughout the book. He is said to be good looking, responsible, and has the abilities to be a capable leader. Ralph is a “boy with fair hair” (1) and “attractive appearance.” (11) He looks strong because of the “width and heaviness of his shoulders,” but also seems calm and nice from the “mildness about his mouth and eyes that proclaim no devil.” (4) Although Ralph is caring like is shown when he realizes that Piggy was “hurt and crushed” from his nickname, (19) he also is firm when he raises his “hand for silence” during a meeting. (22) This shows that Ralph can be empathetic while still being able to bring order and control. All of these character traits make him the perfect representation of civilization and gives him the capability to tell right from wrong. Ralph’s personality is what allows him to possess genuine leadership. Being a role model and leader to the rest of the boys is Ralph’s major role on the island. On page 75 Ralph attempts to remind everyone of rules that need to be kept. He seems to be one of the few that cares or knows about the dangers of being careless and filthy. “The fire is the most important thing on the island” and it is Ralph’s main priority for everybody to be rescued. (75) Without Ralph the boys would not have any form of civilization present. He not only keeps order, Ralph also is a sign of hope and limits the fear that the island gives the boys. During the exploration on Castle Rock, he says “I’m chief. I’ll go. Don’t argue.” (100) In the beginning of the book, he also is the one to assure the littluns that there is no beast. Ralph’s position as a leader not only benefits the boys on the island but it is also beneficial for him as a person. Ralph’s role as a leader
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