Ralph's Leadership In Lord Of The Flies

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Within the novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding develops Ralph as the most dynamic and effective leader by evolving specific character traits that are demonstrated by a great leader including initiative, responsibility, and courage. A dynamic leader is someone who directs and takes responsibility for a group while also having the best interests of the group in mind. Ralph's leadership shows initiative, which is demonstrated by his ability and willingness to step up in many situations and take control. He is the first to think of developing and creating an action plan for the group. From the start, Ralph is the first to recognize that the group of boys will need to have a chief or leader to establish order and accomplish daily chores …show more content…
He checks in and follows up with the group to make sure the daily chores are being completed. A successful leader takes the responsibility to follow up with the jobs assigned to everyone in a group. This helps to ensure that there is an equal contribution from every member in obtaining the goals that were set. An example of this is when Ralph convinced the group of the importance of building shelter on the island. When the work began, some of the group started the task but then decided to stop helping. Ralph demonstrated responsibility by staying on task and leading by example. This is an excellent character trait of a quality leader.
Another example or Ralph taking responsibility was shown by his protection of Piggy on the island. Ralph makes it his obligation to defend Piggy from Jack's intimidation and bullying on the island. "Listen. We've come to say this. First, you've got to give back Piggy's specs. If he hasn't got them he cant' see." (177). Ralph showed responsibility by standing up for the group's rights and taking matters into his own hands. A dynamic and effective leader shows selflessness, they always take care of their group and have the group's best interests in …show more content…
He shows others he is able to do things that they may not feel comfortable or confident in doing. Effective leaders have to be courageous and step out of their comfort zone in order to be effective. The first time he showed courage is when he confronts Jack after he allowed the fire to go out just as a ship was passing. "There was a ship. Out there. You said you would keep the fire going and you let it out!"(73) He commands Jack to light the fire again. This showed his courage, as Jack and Ralph were always confrontational in a battle for leadership of the group. Many of the boys were fearful and nervous to confront him. Ralph continued to show courageousness when he was on the journey up the mountain to find the beast. ‘'His teeth were chattering, he bound himself together with his will, fused his fear and loathing into a hatred and stood up. He took two leaden steps forward''(136). Although he was afraid, he demonstrated courage by continuing the journey in order to lead and help the group. Ralph also displayed his courage was when he was going to Castlerock to explore the cave. Jack questions him and his bravery. "Frightened?" Jack asks. Ralph replies "Course I'm frightened who wouldn't be." (110). This shows courage because he is not afraid of being honest with the others in the group by letting them know he is afraid. This display of courage, allows the others to relate to him better as he
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