Compare And Contrast the Characters Between Ralph and Jack in “Lord of the Flies.”
Lord of the Flies is a notable literary work by William Golding. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Lord of the Flies.
Answer
Compare and contrast the characters between Ralph and Jack in “Lord of the Flies.”
In William Golding’s (1911 – 1993) classic novel “Lord of the Flies,” (1954), the two main characters, Ralph and Jack, stand in stark contrast to each other. They represent different leadership styles and moral values on the isolated island. Here, they find themselves stranded. Let’s explore their differences:
Leadership Style: Ralph represents order and democracy. He prioritizes the group’s well-being and desires to establish rules and systems for survival. He asserts,
We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages.
In contrast, Jack embodies tyranny and chaos. He seeks power for himself. He imposes his will through fear and manipulation.
Views on Civilization: Ralph values civilization. He focuses on maintaining the signal fire and building shelters. He believes in the importance of being rescued. He declares,
We want to be rescued; and of course we shall be rescued.
On the other hand, Jack prioritizes hunting and savagery. He becomes obsessed with hunting pigs. He neglects the signal fire and disregards the chance of rescue.
Relationship with Others: Ralph fosters a sense of community and teamwork among the boys. He encourages cooperation and communication. On the other hand, Jack encourages division and oppression. He forms a tribe with himself as the chief. He uses fear to control the other boys.
Response to Crisis: Ralph remains level-headed and rational during crises. He seeks practical solutions to problems. He maintains tranquillity even in moments of fear. In contrast, Jack surrenders to primal instincts. He resorts to violence and aggression. He encourages chaos when he encounters the imagined threat of the beast. He declares,
Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!.
In personality, Ralph and Jack represent opposing forces in “Lord of the Flies,”. Ralph embodies order, democracy, and civilization, while Jack symbolizes chaos, tyranny, and savagery. Their conflicting ideologies drive the novel’s exploration of human nature and society’s fragility in the face of adversity.